U.S. Defense Secretary Undergoes Surgery; Responsibilities Temporarily Transferred to Deputy

Pentagon Press Secretary announced that Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, will undergo an elective and 'minimally invasive' surgery on Friday, June 4. General Patrick Ryder stated that he will temporarily transfer his powers to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks. According to reports published in U.S. media, this surgery is related to a bladder issue that Mr. Austin developed as a result of last year's surgery for prostate cancer. The Pentagon is striving for greater transparency regarding the health status of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Ryder mentioned that the Pentagon has informed the White House and Congress about the bladder surgery. The Secretary of Defense is one rank below the President in the U.S. military chain of command and is considered one of the most important cabinet members. Mr. Austin underwent two surgeries last December and January but did not inform the President, his deputy, or the public about this, which led to criticism. He later testified before Congress, acknowledged his mistake, and committed to being more transparent in this regard. Seventy-year-old Lloyd Austin has been struggling with health issues since undergoing surgery following his prostate cancer diagnosis. In February, Mr. Austin was readmitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital due to bladder issues and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for the second time, undergoing a 'non-surgical' procedure but under general anesthesia. The Pentagon announced that Lloyd Austin has been discharged from the hospital and has fully resumed his duties. The Secretary of Defense of the United States was readmitted to the hospital; his duties were assigned to his deputy. The Secretary of Defense was discharged from the hospital; Joe Biden says he still trusts him.