US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin takes questions during a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on February 1, 2024. Andrew Caballero-reynolds | Afp | Getty Images
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken back to the hospital on Sunday afternoon for symptoms related to a possible bladder issue, the Pentagon announced.
Austin is battling prostate cancer and has been recovering from surgery over the past few months.
He is currently retaining all responsibilities of his post, the Pentagon said. On his way to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Austin brought along all “unclassified and classified communication systems necessary to perform his duties,” according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks is on standby to assume any of Austin's functions, should that become necessary.
The Pentagon made clear that the White House and Congress have been notified of the Sunday hospitalization, avoiding a repeat of a December incident when Austin and his staff failed to inform top government officials that Austin was in the intensive care unit for complications related to his cancer surgery.
In January, Austin came under fire after the Pentagon waited days to inform the White House and the public that he was in the ICU for unknown reasons at the time. Doctors at Walter Reed later disclosed the prostate cancer diagnosis and released details of his hospital visits.
Still, several lawmakers called on Austin to resign for the lack of transparency, though the White House rebuked those demands and doubled down on its support for the Defense Secretary as he battles cancer.
Austin's re-hospitalization on Sunday comes just over a week after he publicly apologized for hiding that earlier hospital visit and pledged to be more transparent.
“We did not handle this right. And I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility,” Austin said at a Pentagon briefing.
News Related
-
Raskin, other House Democrats pressure Biden to do more to protect children in Gaza The letter calls for “timely evacuation and protection of children and babies.” BySarah Beth Hensley November 22, 2023, 1:50 PM More congressional Democrats are pressuring President Joe Biden to get Israel to do more to protect ...
See Details:
Raskin, other House Democrats pressure Biden to do more to protect children in Gaza
-
-
US hits Iran-backed militants with fourth round of retaliatory airstrikes Iran-backed groups have attacked US forces more than 60 times since mid-Oct. ByMatt Seyler November 21, 2023, 7:52 PM Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, release flares over Iraq, Feb. 6, 2020. ...
See Details:
US hits Iran-backed militants with fourth round of retaliatory airstrikes
-
-
-
House Republicans subpoena prosecutor in Hunter Biden case They want answers for what they allege is DOJ interference in the case. ByFARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press November 21, 2023, 5:16 PM FILE – President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, leaves after a court appearance, July 26, 2023, in Wilmington, Del. Hunter ...
See Details:
House Republicans subpoena prosecutor in Hunter Biden case
-
Biden orders flags lowered to half-staff to honor Rosalynn Carter He ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff starting Saturday. ByCaleigh Bartash November 21, 2023, 4:11 PM Following the death of former first Lady Rosalynn Carter, President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from ...
See Details:
Biden orders flags lowered to half-staff to honor Rosalynn Carter
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
DeSantis expected to earn another major endorsement in Iowa, but still trails Trump
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
Binance founder Chengpeng Zhao to plead guilty to money laundering charges: DOJ
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
U.S. FDIC announces special committee to review allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
Both sides appeal ruling Trump engaged in Jan. 6 insurrection but can still run in 2024
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
US gunship strikes back at Iran-linked militants who injured several US troops in Iraq
-
Virginia Democrats propose amendment to guarantee abortion access after winning General Assembly Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, unsuccessfully pushed a 15-week “limit.” ByLaura Romero November 21, 2023, 3:13 PM After winning full control of the state's General Assembly two weeks ago, Virginia Democrats are wasting no time exercising their power. ...
See Details:
Democratic senators call on Biden to press Israel to allow more Gaza aid
OTHER NEWS
Argentine presidential candidate for the La Libertad Avanza alliance Javier Milei speaks to supporters after winning the presidential election runoff at his party headquarters in Buenos Aires on November 19, ...
Read more »