Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer told Newsmax that between the break in the chain of command during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's medical procedure and the White House's incuriosity towards the whole ordeal, is as serious a matter as they come.
"All roads," Schaffer told "American Agenda" on Tuesday, "lead to and stop with the secretary of defense himself, Lloyd Austin. Again … let me be very clear: the fact that this memo came out last night and outlines everything we're talking about indicates that this was not thought through.
"Now, the other thing, this is a very dangerous thing, think about this: the White House wasn't even curious. This lapse tells me that Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan — there's no daily conversation."
The memo Schaffer refers to was obtained by The New York Times.
In it, Austin's chief of staff requests the Department of Defense's administration and management director "to identify the relevant facts and circumstances during this period and evaluate the processes and procedures through which the deputy secretary of defense was notified that she should carry out the functions and duties of the secretary of defense."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.