To the Chief of Staff Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin He will announce his resignation on Wednesday, according to a senior administration official and a person familiar with his plans.
Kelly Magsamen was one of the very few who reported it Austin was in the hospital New Year’s Day, however, he did not brief the White House or senior Pentagon officials.
A Pentagon press secretary later attributed the surveillance in part to Kelly also being ill. It was he who called the White House to inform officials that Austin was in the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
In a statement, Austin praised Maksama, who appears to be one of his closest advisers. but he did not explain why he resigned.
“From day one of this administration, Kelly’s leadership, advice, and selfless service have made our nation safer, made our people’s lives better and more rewarding, and eased some of the heavy burdens in my office,” Austin said. “At every stage, he has provided a steady guiding hand to our staff and the Department. I am in his debt – and I will remain.”
Magsamen will step down at the end of June, Austin said.
“If there is a better example of exemplary public service in a difficult time, I don’t know it,” he added.
Austin has suffered a series of medical setbacks since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer in December.
He was hospitalized after complications from a prostatectomy on New Year’s Day. He stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Austin faced criticism for failing to promptly notify the president or Congress of his diagnosis or hospitalization.
He was Returned to Walter Reed In February, he was admitted to intensive care for a second time due to bladder problems, and at that time he underwent a non-surgical operation under general anesthesia.