Will Biden Dismiss U.S. Defense Secretary?

The White House announced that it will review the "process and procedures" surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization last week and will make changes if necessary, but President Joe Biden has no plans to dismiss him. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, "Clearly, as you would expect, we will take a look at the process and procedures here and try to learn from this experience." He added, "I think there is an expectation that when a government official goes into the hospital... the highest levels of leadership will be notified; there is that expectation." However, Kirby mentioned that "Biden retains confidence in Austin and looks forward to seeing him return to the Pentagon." Kirby further stated, "There are no plans or anything else other than Secretary Austin remaining in his position and continuing the leadership he has shown."