Although Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin failed to inform the White House about his recent hospitalization, President Joe Biden (D) is not considering firing him, Politico reported Monday.
The outlet cited a group of senior administration officials. If Austin were to issue a resignation Biden would refuse it, a person among them said.
“Austin’s going nowhere,” one official told Politico. The report noted Republicans have been calling for Biden to dismiss the defense secretary.
U.S. President Joe Biden (C)shakes hands with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, after speaking during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of Milley, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on September 29, 2023. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty)