Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for a bladder issue. The Pentagon announced that Austin, who temporarily transferred his duties to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, resumed his full responsibilities from home and is expected to return to the Pentagon later this week.
Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Austin’s hospitalization on Sunday was due to a bladder issue unrelated to his previous prostate cancer diagnosis. Doctors identified the cause and treated it with a non-surgical procedure on Monday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Despite his recent health challenges, Austin is anticipated to participate in the virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on Wednesday, where he is expected to deliver opening remarks.
This hospitalization follows Austin’s earlier admission in January for complications arising from prostate cancer treatment. He faced criticism for not promptly informing the White House of his hospitalization, for which he took full responsibility, expressing regret for the oversight.
President Joe Biden spoke with Austin, offering well wishes for his recovery. The administration remains confident in Austin’s ability to fully recover from both his recent bladder issue and his prior cancer diagnosis.
Doctors expect Austin to fully recover from both health challenges, reaffirming their confidence in his health and ability to resume his duties at the Pentagon.
