Biden Says Defense Secretary Had Lapse in Judgement When Hiding Hospitalization

Secretary Lloyd Austin hid cancer and a hospitalization from the president.

President Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he visits a coffee shop in Emmaus, Pa., on Jan. 12, 2024/ Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin should have informed President Joe Biden of his health condition, the president said on Jan. 12.

“Yes,” President Biden said while in Pennsylvania when asked if it was a lapse in judgment for Mr. Austin not to let him know he had prostate cancer.