For days it was unclear why US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in the hospital. Now the 70-year-old is making his cancer diagnosis public. There has been criticism from across parties for the long period of uncertainty – even President Biden was not informed.
After days of guessing about his health, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has revealed that he has prostate cancer. The disease was recognized early and the prognosis for recovery was “excellent,” said the responsible clinic near the capital Washington.
Due to complications following an operation at the end of December, the 70-year-old has had to be treated in hospital since the beginning of the year. The hospitalization caused a stir because the ministry initially did not make it public.
Pentagon defended Information policy
The Pentagon defended the action in the evening. “Despite the prevalence of prostate cancer, discussions about prevention, treatment and support are often very personal and private,” Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said when asked about the delays in public disclosure.
It remains unclear how the illness will affect Austin’s performance in office, such as his travel and other public appearances. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was expected to take over some of his daily duties while he recovers.
Biden was also not informed
Austin is criticized for its non-transparent information policy. President Joe Biden only learned on Tuesday that his Cabinet member was ill – about a month after the diagnosis. “No one in the White House knew that Secretary Austin had prostate cancer until this morning,” said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council.
Austin’s surprise hospitalization on December 22nd was for surgery for cancer, according to his doctors. The day after the operation, the 70-year-old went home. But on January 1, he complained of nausea and severe stomach, hip and leg pain due to a urinary tract infection. That’s why he came back to the hospital.
The President initially learned nothing of this background. Austin and Biden spoke on the phone on Saturday. That same day, the minister made a public statement in which he acknowledged that he could have better informed the public about his hospitalization and asserted: “I am committed to doing better.” However, he did not tell Biden in this phone call that he had cancer.
White House reacts immediately
On Tuesday, the White House tightened its guidelines regarding ministerial absences. Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients told Cabinet members in a message that they must submit existing regulations in the event of a ministry leadership failure by Friday. He demands that his office be informed if ministers are unable to carry out their official duties.
A Pentagon spokesman blamed the flu illness of a staff member for the delay between hospital admission and notification to the White House.
Republicans demand Austin’s firing
Several Republican lawmakers called for the defense secretary to be fired. Republican Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, launched an investigation into the events.
The White House said President Biden wanted to stick with Austin.
According to doctors, the cancer was discovered during a routine examination at the beginning of December. Since it was detected early, Austin has excellent chances of recovery
Claudia Sarre, ARD Washington, tagesschau, January 9th, 2024 9:00 p.m