Lloyd Austin
Secretary Lloyd Austin came under fire for waiting several days before informing top government leaders, including the president, that he was being hospitalized.
Defense Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks only learned of Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization days after she was told to assume some of his duties.
U.S. officials say that senior Biden administration leaders, members of Congress and top Pentagon officials were unaware for days that Austin had been hospitalized.
“In this kind of a fight, the center of gravity is the civilian population,” Lloyd Austin said this weekend.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
"The United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future,” he said.
Military officials said the cause of the helicopter crash during a training mission is under investigation, but there are no indications of hostile activity.
The U.S. Secretary of State, though, explained the U.S. ally has no intention of running Gaza as the next day for the territory remains unclear.
The defense secretary shared concerns about China’s break from international laws and norms that resolve disputes peacefully and without coercion.
“I’m concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," the U.S. defense secretary said.
American officials say the drone was flying in international airspace when a Russian fighter jet struck one of its propellers.