Lloyd Austin: House Republican Wants Defense Secretary Out Following Hospitalization
Rep. Matt Rosendale stated that he believes Lloyd Austin "violated his oath of office" on multiple occasions, which pushed him to introduce articles of impeachment against the Defense Secretary. ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images

Representative Matt Rosendale, a Montana Republican, has announced plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Fox News reports.

The move comes in the wake of the Pentagon's delayed revelation of Austin's hospitalization last week, sparking concerns and criticisms.

Rosendale accuses Austin of jeopardizing national security through actions such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the border migrant crisis, and an incident involving a Chinese spycraft above the continental U.S.

Matt Rosendale asserts, "Sec. Austin knowingly put the American people in danger and compromised our national security when he allowed a spy balloon from a foreign adversary to fly over Malmstrom Air Force Base - home to ICBMs - and allowed the Chinese Communist Party to gather intel on American citizens."

Furthermore, he alleges a pattern of dishonesty, emphasizing Austin's lack of transparency about his health last week, which was only disclosed by the Pentagon on Friday, four days after his admission.

A report revealed that even high-level officials in the White House and Pentagon were unaware of Austin's hospitalization until Thursday.

Criticisms Mount Over Lack of Transparency

Despite the controversy surrounding Austin's delayed disclosure, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasizes that Austin, who has secure communications access, remains engaged in monitoring global operations.

The absence of transparency regarding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's health has garnered bipartisan criticism, as per USA Today.

The Pentagon's failure to announce Austin's hospitalization promptly and his failure to inform Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks for several days have been denounced as breaches of norms for senior officials.

Questions are being raised about whether Austin's actions comply with rules and procedures, with the White House facing scrutiny over the handling of the situation.

President Biden Stands Firm Amid Calls for Action

Senior administration officials have stated that President Joe Biden is not considering firing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, despite the controversy surrounding the delayed disclosure of his hospitalization.

The president reportedly would not accept a resignation if Austin were to offer one, according to POLITICO.

The Pentagon had already conveyed that Austin has no plans to resign and remains committed to his duties.

Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have called for Austin's dismissal, questioning his decision to keep his hospitalization a secret.

However, Biden, known for his loyalty and preference for continuity, is expected to stand by Austin.

The president and the secretary had their first conversation since the hospitalization on Saturday, with Biden expressing eagerness to see the secretary back at the Pentagon soon.

As the situation unfolds, the lack of transparency surrounding Lloyd Austin's health has intensified the political debate, with implications for the Biden administration and the defense leadership.

The articles of Lloyd Austin impeachment proposed by Rep. Matt Rosendale underscore the gravity of the situation and set the stage for further political deliberations.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: White House wasn't notified of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for several days - From CBS Evening News