Pentagon clears Austin of hospital stay wrongdoing

The Pentagon has completed its investigation into Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s controversial three-hour stay at a hospital in November and has concluded that he did nothing wrong.

Despite initial concerns that Austin may have violated military regulations by using his position to receive special treatment, the investigation found that he was “fully compliant with all applicable DoD regulations and guidelines.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Pentagon said that Austin had been taken to the hospital for “non-COVID related symptoms” and had followed all proper procedures during his brief visit.

The investigation’s findings come as a relief to Austin, who has faced intense scrutiny over the incident. Some critics had accused him of abusing his power and setting a bad example for the rest of the military.

With the Pentagon’s investigation now complete, Austin can put this chapter behind him and continue to focus on his duties as Defense Secretary.