U.S. Defense Secretary Hospitalized Again; Duties Transferred to Deputy

Pentagon spokesperson announced that Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, was transferred to Walter Reed Military Hospital on Sunday for treatment of "symptoms indicating a bladder emergency." Lieutenant General Pat Ryder stated that Mr. Austin's duties have been delegated to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, and that the White House and Congress have been informed of these developments. He assured that the latest updates regarding the Secretary of Defense's condition would be communicated as soon as possible. The 70-year-old U.S. Defense Secretary was hospitalized in late 2023 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He faced serious criticism from U.S. officials and media for keeping the diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalization secret. In response to this criticism, Lloyd Austin told the Associated Press that when he first became aware of the illness, he intended to keep it hidden as a private matter. He expressed regret over this secrecy, stating: "I want to be completely clear, we did not manage this issue properly. I did not handle this correctly. I should have informed the President about my cancer diagnosis; I should have told my team and the American people as well. I apologize to my colleagues and to the American people." After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early December, Austin underwent surgery at Walter Reed on December 22 and was discharged a week later, continuing his duties from home. However, on January 1, after experiencing severe pain, he was readmitted to the hospital and placed in intensive care. President Joe Biden and other key U.S. officials were made aware of Austin's diagnosis more than a week after his readmission to the hospital. Nevertheless, Biden emphasized in an interview that he still has faith and trust in his Secretary of Defense and will continue to work with him. Lloyd Austin: Attack on U.S. base in Jordan was carried out by Iranian proxy groups. U.S. Defense Secretary discharged from the hospital; Joe Biden says he still trusts him. Joe Biden's support for Lloyd Austin; he still trusts the Pentagon chief. Pentagon revealed the reason for Austin's hospitalization; complications from prostate surgery and urinary infection.