WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Center due to complications from a recent procedure to treat prostate cancer, according to officials from the medical center. Austin was admitted on January 1 and remains in the hospital.
The delay in informing the White House and key defense officials about Austin’s hospitalization has raised criticism and prompted a review of procedures. President Joe Biden and other top White House officials were not informed about Austin’s cancer diagnosis until Tuesday morning, just hours before it was made public.
Austin’s cancer was discovered during routine lab tests in early December. He underwent a prostatectomy on December 22 while under general anesthesia, with the surgery going smoothly and his prognosis deemed excellent.
However, complications arose following the procedure. Austin was admitted to Walter Reed on January 1 due to severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, which was later determined to be caused by abdominal fluid collections that were impairing the function of his small intestines. Medical staff addressed this by placing a tube to drain his stomach and using non-surgical methods to drain the abdominal fluid.
The officials stated that Austin’s infection has cleared, and he continues to make progress. Although the recovery process can be slow, he is expected to make a full recovery. Austin has been in good spirits throughout his hospitalization and is actively engaged in his duties as defense chief.
Criticism has arisen regarding the delay in notifying senior officials about Austin’s hospitalization. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has announced a formal inquiry into the lack of transparency surrounding the situation.
Prostate cancer, affecting 1 in every 8 men and 1 in every 6 Black men, is the most common form of cancer among American men, according to the statement from Walter Reed.
This revelation about Austin’s condition comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including recent U.S. airstrikes in Baghdad against an Iranian-backed militia leader.
The Department of Defense is conducting a review to determine whether any laws were broken during the handling of Austin’s hospitalization. Austin’s diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization occurred as tensions continued to intensify in the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is currently hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Center due to complications from a recent prostate cancer procedure. The delay in informing senior officials about his hospitalization has sparked criticism and triggered a review of procedures. Austin’s cancer was detected early, and he is expected to make a full recovery. The Department of Defense is conducting a review to determine if any laws were violated. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men.