Pentagon chief grilled over secret hospital stay

The Secretary of Defense faced intense questioning today after it was revealed that he had secretly checked into a hospital for a medical procedure without notifying the public or his colleagues.

Members of Congress were quick to criticize the Secretary for his lack of transparency, with some calling for his resignation. Others defended his right to privacy but expressed concern about the impact his absence had on national security.

During the hearing, the Secretary apologized for not being more forthcoming about his health, citing concerns about maintaining a sense of normalcy during a turbulent time for the country.

This incident has raised questions about the balance between personal privacy and public accountability for government officials, and has sparked a debate about the need for greater transparency in matters of national security.