Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's recent hospitalization, shrouded in secrecy and punctuated by questionable decisions, has laid bare a stark reality: America lacks competent leadership at the helm of its armed forces. This is not merely a matter of optics or personal health; it speaks to a systemic dysfunction that jeopardizes national security and demands Austin's immediate resignation.
Firstly, Austin's prolonged absence from public view speaks volumes about his leadership style. A secretary of defense is not a figurehead cloaked in shadows. They are the embodiment of military might, a constant presence reassuring allies and deterring adversaries. Yet, during a critical juncture, Austin vanished, leaving a void filled with whispers and speculation. This is not wartime leadership; it is a dereliction of duty.
Secondly, the decision to withhold information about Austin's hospitalization smacks of arrogance and a misplaced sense of entitlement. The American people, especially those serving under his command, deserve transparency regarding the health of their secretary of defense.
Furthermore, the revelation that both Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks and General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were deliberately kept out of the loop until later in his absence raises troubling questions about the chain of command. Both the deputy and chairman should have been immediately informed. This disregard for established protocol underscores a deeper issue: a lack of confidence in their leadership or, worse, a culture of complacency within the Pentagon.
Finally, the failure of Austin's security detail to effectively communicate his condition demonstrates a stunning lapse in situational awareness. In a world where threats lurk around every corner, a secretary of defense's health is a matter of national security. The breakdown of communication in this instance is simply unacceptable.
These missteps are not isolated incidents; they point to a pattern of poor judgment and a leadership vacuum at the Defense Department. America cannot afford to gamble with its national security. We need a secretary of defense who inspires confidence, not confusion; who prioritizes transparency and accountability; and who fosters a culture of competence within the Pentagon. Austin has demonstrably failed to meet these criteria. His resignation is not just a political necessity; it is a national imperative.
I worked for Austin while Austin commanded CENTCOM, briefing him every morning on events around the globe. I also reported to Major General Pat Ryder, his spokesman, and I know him well. I am surprised that Ryder has apparently allowed his integrity to lapse so far as to prevent him from properly informing superiors of what is really going on.
The American people deserve better. We deserve a leader who stands tall, both in body and spirit, to safeguard our nation and its men and women in uniform. Lloyd Austin is not that leader. His time in the office must end now.
John "Wolf" Wagner is a former White House SES appointee to the VA and HHS; retired Army officer and Iraq veteran. He served a combined 35 years in the military, including USCENTCOM and USNORTHCOM.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
