White House: Biden Has Full Confidence in Austin

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated today, Monday, that "President Joe Biden still has full confidence in Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin." Jean-Pierre told reporters following Biden's visit to South Carolina: "Biden spoke to Austin on Saturday and expressed his appreciation for Austin taking 'full responsibility' for not informing the White House about his hospitalization." This statement comes amid questions from some lawmakers regarding Austin's silence for several days about his hospitalization for health care. A White House official mentioned that "Joe Biden is not considering firing Lloyd Austin." When asked if Austin had ever been unconscious since January 1 and whether the White House had been informed, the official denied any knowledge of the matter. Officials revealed on Sunday that Austin's hospitalization remained more confidential than previously thought, adding that his deputy, along with a long list of officials, including Biden, were unaware of what was happening for several days. The responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense require him to be available at all times to deal with national security crises. Austin stated on Saturday that he takes "full responsibility" for this secrecy. The nature of the health crisis that Austin experienced remains unknown.