The Department of Defense (DOD) inspector general (IG) has opened an investigation on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization.
“On January 10, [Inspector General Robert] Storch notified DoD of our plan to begin the subject review in January 2024. The objective of the review is to examine the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense’s hospitalization in December 2023 – January 2024, and assess whether the DoD’s policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure timely and appropriate notifications and the effective transition of authorities as may be warranted due to health-based or other unavailability of senior leadership,” the IG said in an email.
The inspector general said in a memo notifying the DOD of the investigation that it would be done at the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
“We may identify additional offices and personnel who might have information relevant to our review,” it said.
