Former military pilots demand Lloyd Austin’s resignation. A group of former military pilots, known as the MACH 1 Caucus, has sent a letter to President Biden, asking him to remove or accept the resignation of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The reason behind this demand is Austin’s recent hospitalization, which happened without informing the White House for several days.
The caucus, consisting of Reps. August Pfluger, Mike Garcia, Jake Ellzey, and Scott Franklin, believe that Austin’s actions violate the Pentagon’s Principles of Information and show poor judgment. They argue that this situation could pose a threat to national security and is a significant neglect of duty.
August Pfluger, leading the letter, emphasizes the importance of having backup plans in place when leaders are absent, especially in situations where quick decisions can be a matter of life and death.
The caucus argues that “Austin has weakened the military, both by supporting what they see as a politically correct and weakened military and by failing to appoint someone in charge or notify the President during his hospitalization.”
According to them, Austin and any staff involved in covering up his hospitalization should step down or be removed from their positions.
Various conservative leaders and lawmakers have been calling for Austin’s resignation or firing since last week. Reports revealed that the President, the National Security Council, and top Pentagon leaders were not informed about Austin’s hospitalization on time.
The Pentagon explained on Monday that the delay in notifying the White House happened because Austin’s chief of staff was dealing with the flu.
New information indicates that Austin had surgery to remove his prostate last month after a cancer diagnosis and was later admitted to the ICU due to complications, including a urinary tract infection.
The MACH 1 Caucus considers it unacceptable that the key official in charge of national security was absent without proper notice or designation of an alternative chain of command. They stress the dangerous and reckless nature of such actions, especially when global instability, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, requires robust and reliable leadership.
The caucus believes that Austin’s failure to follow established protocols and notify relevant officials is an extraordinary breach and, at the very least, a dereliction of duty. They underscore the importance of transparency and adherence to established procedures, particularly given the crucial role of the Secretary of Defense in leading the military. The concerns raised by the caucus reflect broader anxieties about leadership stability and effective communication within the national security apparatus.
The controversy surrounding Austin’s handling of his medical situation highlights the challenges associated with maintaining confidence in the leadership of key government positions responsible for national defense. The outcome of this call for resignation or dismissal will likely fuel ongoing discussions about the expectations placed on top officials, their health disclosures, and the need for transparent communication during periods of absence.
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