US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on Sunday due to what officials described as an urgent bladder issue.
A Pentagon spokesman, Pat Ryder, stated, “Today, at approximately 2:20 pm, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by his security detail after experiencing symptoms suggestive of an urgent bladder issue. The Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been informed. White House and Congressional notifications have also been made.”
Despite his hospitalization, Secretary Austin is currently maintaining the functions and responsibilities of his office. Maj Gen Ryder added, “At this time, the Secretary is retaining the functions and duties of his office. The Deputy Secretary is prepared to assume the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense, if required. Secretary Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties. We will provide an update on Secretary Austin’s condition as soon as possible.”
This hospitalization marks the second time in two months that the Pentagon chief has been hospitalized. In January, he underwent surgery for prostate cancer at Walter Reed, which stirred controversy in Washington when it was revealed that the White House was unaware of a Cabinet secretary’s health condition, especially the defense chief, amid significant instability in the Middle East.
Mr. Austin addressed the communication breakdown in January during a press conference upon his return to duties, apologizing for the lack of transparency. The Independent has reached out to the White House National Security Council for further comment on Secretary Austin’s latest hospitalization.
As of Sunday, it was unclear whether Mr. Austin’s current hospitalization was directly related to his previous treatment for prostate cancer.