Rep. Chris Deluzio Becomes First Democrat to Call for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s Resignation

A Pennsylvania lawmaker has become the first Democrat in Congress to call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over his hospitalization secrecy

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin makes remarks at a virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, at the Pentagon in Washington, on Nov. 22, 2023. Cliff Owen/AP Photo

Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) has become the first Democrat lawmaker to call for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s resignation after the secretary and his staff failed to inform the White House and the public about his hospitalization.

“I have lost trust in Secretary Lloyd Austin’s leadership of the Defense Department due to the lack of transparency about his recent medical treatment and its impact on the continuity of the chain of command,” Mr. Deluzio said.