After a wave of uncertainty surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s health status and reports of his hospitalization, medical professionals have now clarified that he was admitted for treatment related to a bladder issue and is on the path to recovery.
According to statements from the Biden administration’s medical team, Austin’s bladder condition prompted urgent care at a Maryland hospital on Sunday, as reported by The Daily Wire.
Updates from officials at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center shed light on Austin’s health condition. The Pentagon confirmed that Austin has temporarily passed on his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks while recuperating from this latest health setback following his treatment for prostate cancer earlier this year.
The medical team treating the defense secretary revealed, “Austin underwent non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia to address his bladder issue. We anticipate a successful recovery and will closely monitor him overnight.”
They further stated, “A prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated. We anticipate the Secretary will be able to resume his normal duties tomorrow. The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent.”
In a briefing, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder informed the media that Austin canceled his planned trip to Brussels for this week, where discussions on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the state of the US-led NATO alliance were on the agenda. However, Austin intends to participate in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting via video conference on Wednesday.
Austin, 70, faced criticism after revelations of his hospitalization on January 1 due to complications from prostate cancer treatment and the subsequent delegation of some duties to a deputy without informing senior officials in the Biden administration and Congress.
This drew calls for his removal from office by GOP members and former President Donald Trump, particularly as details emerged about Austin’s handling of his cancer diagnosis until it became public knowledge. The situation prompted several investigations and led the White House to establish new transparency guidelines for when Cabinet secretaries delegate authority.
A hearing before a House committee is slated for February 29. The Department of Defense clarified that Austin resumed his duties from home after being discharged from the hospital on January 15 and returned to the Pentagon on January 29. Austin has expressed regret over the management of his cancer diagnosis and hospitalization.
