Scandals are a dime a dozen in Washington, D.C., and occur so frequently that some don't even make headlines anymore. But the kerfuffle over Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospital visit, where he failed to inform the White House of complications over prostate cancer surgery, is perhaps one of the more perplexing scandal in the modern era.

After receiving treatment in late December, Austin returned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center about a week later due to post-surgery complications. The defense secretary was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was monitored by doctors and hospital staff for days. His colleagues and deputies, including his chief of staff, the chair of the Joint Chiefs and the Pentagon's chief spokesperson learned about Austin's hospital stay on the same day. But nobody in the building got around to informing the National Security Council or the White House staff about Austin's situation and whereabouts until days later. Congress, including senior lawmakers on the armed services committees, were in the dark as well. President Joe Biden didn't know about Austin's cancer diagnosis for weeks. In short, there was a massive failure of communication at the top level of government.

Austin was quick to take responsibility, owed up to his mistake, and promised to do better in the future. But that hasn't quelled the anger and intrigue. New York Times columnist Bret Stephens suggested the........

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