Pentagon Spokesman Comments on Speculation Regarding US Defense Secretary's Possible Resignation

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who has found himself at the center of a scandal due to a delay in notifying about his hospitalization, is not planning to leave his position. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder.

“Secretary Austin does not intend to step down. He is focused on continuing to work and serve for the betterment of our country's defense,” Ryder said during a broadcast on Fox News, commenting on the rumors surrounding Austin's potential resignation.

Last week, American media reported that the Pentagon had kept information about Austin's hospitalization secret from the White House for three days. The US Defense Secretary was hospitalized on January 1 after complications arose from a planned medical procedure.

Earlier, Austin assured that his health was improving while admitting that he could have better communicated his health issues to the public.

It is worth noting that the Pentagon chief is 70 years old. He has been leading the US military department since January 2021.