Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure on Friday evening at Walter Reed Medical Center for a follow-up on a bladder issue he had earlier this year. The procedure was not related to his cancer diagnosis, according to a Pentagon release.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin temporarily transferred power to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on Friday evening while undergoing a scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure at Walter Reed Medical Center. The procedure was unrelated to Austin's cancer diagnosis and was a follow-up to a bladder issue he experienced earlier this year, according to a Pentagon release.
Austin had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and hospitalized in December and January, undergoing two surgeries. At the time, he did not inform the White House for several days, and it took even longer for the public to find out. This led to criticism of the Pentagon's lack of transparency, and the White House established a new set of guidelines for when Cabinet heads are unable to perform their duties and need to delegate authority.
Some Republicans, including former President Trump, called for Austin's resignation. Trump stated on Truth Social that Austin "should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty." However, the White House said that Austin maintained President Biden's "full trust."
In February, Austin apologized for his lack of transparency, acknowledging that he should have informed the president, his team, and the public about his cancer diagnosis. He stated, "We did not handle this right... I take full responsibility, and I apologize to my teammates and to the American people."
Austin was hospitalized again on Feb. 11 for a bladder issue, which the Pentagon emphasized was not related to his cancer diagnosis and had no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis.
The Pentagon release noted that the White House and Congress had been notified of Austin's procedure and that he would be temporarily unable to perform his duties during the procedure. He resumed his functions and duties as Defense Secretary at 8:25 p.m. ET and returned home.
An update on Austin's condition will be provided following the procedure, the statement added.
