Defense Secretary Lloys Austin is back in the hospital to address a bladder issue as he continues to recover from prostate cancer. Austin has transferred his duties to his deputy.
From NEWSMAX:
About 2:20 p.m. Sunday, he was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center “to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement.
While Austin initially intended to retain the “functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized.
A statement from Walter Reed medical officials late Sunday said Austin was admitted into the critical care unit for supportive care and close monitoring. Dr. John Maddox, the trauma medical director, and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center, said while it was unclear at this time how long Austin will remain hospitalized, “the current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery.”
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was notified, as well as the White House and Congress.
Austin took a lot of heat last month for keeping his cancer battle private and not properly alerting President Biden after going in for surgery.
Updated: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin transfers powers to deputy after being hospitalized anew https://t.co/A6uQupdFQo
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) February 12, 2024
