Pentagon: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is being monitored in a critical care unit, according to a doctor
Pentagon: To his deputy, the secretary delegated his responsibilities.
Ankush Pandey
Pentagon Spokesperson
A Pentagon spokesperson stated in a statement that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to the hospital again on Sunday afternoon, this time "for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue."
The Pentagon press secretary
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, updated the public early on Thursday evening. "At approximately 4:55 pm today, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office of the Secretary of Defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks," Ryder said in a statement. The responsibilities and roles have been taken on by the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Notified parties include Congress, the White House, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
Austin was admitted to the critical care unit, according to a statement made late on Sunday night by his physicians at Walter Reed, Drs. John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier today by his security detail to be examined for symptoms that might indicate an urgent bladder problem. The Secretary was admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center tonight for supportive care and close observation following a battery of tests and assessments, according to their statement.
"The length of Secretary Austin's hospital stay is unknown at this time. It is not anticipated that his bladder problem will prevent him from making his full recovery. His prognosis for cancer is still very good. They said, "As soon as possible, we will provide updates on the Secretary's condition."
On December 22, the defense secretary had a minimally invasive surgical surgery for prostate cancer; nevertheless, the procedure resulted in major intestinal problems and an infection of the urinary tract. On January 1, he was admitted to the hospital once more, but the White House was unaware of this for three days, a lack of transparency that drew harsh criticism and investigation.
Austin told reporters earlier this month, "I should have told my team and the American public about my cancer diagnosis, as well as the president." "I accept full accountability. I'm sorry to the American people and my comrades."
Austin also discussed his health issues in a candid way.
"I was shaken by the news, as I'm sure many others are, particularly in the Black community. He noted at the time, "It was a gut punch." "To be honest, I wanted to keep it quiet at first. It's no secret that I'm a rather private person. I dislike putting other people through my troubles. It simply isn't my style."
While acknowledging that it was a mistake of judgment, President Joe Biden publicly criticized Austin for not alerting him sooner about his hospital stay following his cancer operation in January.
According to Austin, he informed Biden he was "deeply sorry" and explicitly apologized for not informing him of his diagnosis sooner.
Both an internal assessment and an inquiry led by the inspector general of the Defense Department are still in progress.
