US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalised Again
United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalised for the second time in a month, announced the Pentagon, following a previous hospital stay that drew criticism for lack of transparency.
Excel Magazine International reports that, Austin, 70, who underwent treatment for prostate cancer last year, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to symptoms indicating an urgent bladder issue, as stated by the Pentagon on Sunday.
During his hospitalisation, Austin has delegated the responsibilities of his office to Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks, according to the Pentagon statement.
The recent hospitalisation comes amidst scrutiny from lawmakers for Austin’s failure to disclose his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalisations to President Joe Biden and Congress for several weeks.
This raised concerns, particularly as his absences coincided with security crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Apologising earlier this month for the lack of transparency regarding his health, Austin admitted he should have informed the president about his cancer diagnosis.
Although President Biden acknowledged the lapse in judgment, he has not heeded calls to dismiss Austin.
Austin’s health issues arose when he was hospitalised on January 1 after complications from cancer surgery he underwent a week earlier.
Following a two-week hospital stay and another two weeks of remote work, he had been in recovery.
Austin’s handling of the situation is currently under investigation by three separate entities, including the Pentagon’s Inspector General.
Scheduled to depart for Brussels on Tuesday for a meeting concerning military support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, it remains uncertain whether Austin’s trip will proceed given his current hospitalisation.
