Former US President Donald Trump criticized Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin by comparing him to a child playing with a toy computer. Trump made these remarks during a pre-election rally for the National Republican Committee in New Hampshire on January 23. Austin had been hospitalized at the beginning of January and some of his powers were temporarily transferred to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks. The medical center where Austin was treated released a statement on January 9, revealing that he had been diagnosed with complications and received treatment for injuries sustained on January 1. On January 12, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman, John Kirby, confirmed that Austin had been discharged from the hospital.

There was strong questioning from members of Congress regarding Austin’s decision to not inform the nation and the government about his hospitalization. The Pentagon chief’s office spokesman has stated that they will be examining Austin’s hospitalization records.