Defense Secretary Austin Back in Hospital, Transfers Duties

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized for “symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” according to a February 11 statement.

That evening, the Pentagon released another statement saying that Austin was “admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring.”

“At this time, it is not clear how long Secretary Austin will remain hospitalized. The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery,” the statement continued. “His cancer prognosis remains excellent. Updates on the Secretary’s condition will be provided as soon as possible.”

In light of the hospitalization, Secretary Austin transferred his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

Today, at approximately 2:20 pm, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue. Full statement here:https://t.co/reDJBP33lr

— Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder (@PentagonPresSec) February 11, 2024

Last month, Austin was treated for prostate cancer, an incident kept secret from federal leaders.

Congressional representatives condemned Austin’s secret hospitalization.

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said at the time, “It is shocking and absolutely unacceptable that the Department of Defense waited multiple days to notify the President, the National Security Council, and the American people that Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized and unable to perform his duties.”

A similar statement was issued by Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA), who said, “I have lost trust in Secretary Lloyd Austin’s leadership of the Defense Department due to the lack of transparency about his recent medical treatment and its impact on the continuity of the chain of command.”

Austin acknowledged the lack of transparency during a press conference. “I want to be crystal clear: we did not handle this right. I did not handle this right,” he declared.

“I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should’ve also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”

“I want to make it very clear that there were no gaps in authorities, and no risk to the department’s command and control. At every moment, either I or the deputy secretary was in full charge,” he continued.

Austin explained that since the incident, the department has created new procedures to ensure “lapses in notification don’t happen.”