White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin
The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One that "the president has complete confidence, continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin".
"The number one thing is we want to see him get well and back at the Pentagon," Jean-Pierre added.
After reports emerged that Biden and the White House were unaware for several days that Austin had been hospitalised for an unspecified medical condition last week, Republicans have called for his resignation.
Meanwhile, during the same briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden believed Austin had done an "amazing job" and respected Austin for "taking ownership" of the row.
"There are no plans or anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job and continue the leadership that has been exhibited," Kirby said.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Harry Potter returning to theatres with unseen footage to celebrate 25 years of movie magic
)
60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
"Am I Worthy?" Ranbir Kapoor addresses backlash over playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: Part 1
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
Ceuta migrant crisis: 67 dead as Spain says most migrants return to Morocco
)
Russian e-retailer Ozon comes under Ukrainian drone attack amid Russia-Ukraine war
)
Jared Leto controversy: Dylan Sprouse's old tweet resurfaces amid sexual assault allegations
)
Mysterious structures uncovered beneath the Amazon show millions of humans once lived here
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Google reveals Pixel 11 Pro design ahead of launch as new ‘Pixel Glow’ feature steals the show
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 31, 2026): The Vacation Principle, Rao Bahadur, Chum- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
Salman Khan enters Alliance to support brother, Sohail, netizens hail, 'tomorrow’s episode is going to be MASSIVE'
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
'Exercise caution and heightened vigilance': US issues travel advisory for its citizens in Middle East
)
'Days of threat culture over': Bengal CM assures safety as Taslima Nasreen returns after 19 years
)
Pakistan avalanche: Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet the next gen of South Cinema: From Rajinikanth's grandson to CM Vijay's son, star kids ready for debut
)
Tom Holland's Spider-Man’s next MCU appearance: Doomsday, Secret Wars? What the Brand New Day end-credits reveal
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
)
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Match Card: Night 1 & Night 2 schedule, main events & full lineup
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
"We'll do what's akin to a hot wash and try to see if processes and procedures need to be changed at all or modified, so that we can learn from this," Kirby said, further adding that Austin had resumed his duties.
Kirby informed that Austin was working from the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs.
Watch: Netizens divided over US President Biden's new video
What happened to Austin?
On Friday evening, the Pentagon announced that the 70-year-old had been hospitalised four days prior "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure".
It was said to be a breach of standard protocol at a time when the United States was embroiled in the Middle East crisis.
"I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better," Austin said in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Sunday released new details about Austin's health, saying that he had a medical procedure on December 22, went home a day later, and was admitted to intensive care on January 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.