US Secretary of Defense Austin has been hospitalized again. His symptoms suggested a bladder problem, the Pentagon said. The 70-year-old will continue to carry out his official duties.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is back in the hospital, according to the Pentagon. At 2:20 p.m. (local time), his security service took him to a military clinic near Washington with symptoms of an acute bladder problem, said Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder. The White House and Congress have already been informed.
“At present, the minister retains the functions and duties of his office,” the statement said. However, his deputy Kathleen H. Hicks is prepared to take over the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense in case of doubt. The 70-year-old has the necessary means of communication with him to carry out his tasks from the hospital. We will inform you about his condition as soon as possible.
Cancer disease kept as a secret
Austin only returned to work at the Pentagon at the end of January after a lengthy period of illness. At the beginning of the year he came under heavy criticism for keeping a secret about prostate cancer and a hospital stay following complications from a procedure.
Even US President Joe Biden did not know for several days that his minister was in the hospital. Austin was released from the hospital on January 15th and initially did not work from the Pentagon.
The White House and the Pentagon launched internal investigations into the case. Biden acknowledged a lack of communication in Austin because of his silence about his health problems, but at the same time expressed his confidence in him.