Lloyd Austin scraps trip to Brussels after hospitalization but set to 'resume normal duties on Wedne

August 2024 · 3 minute read

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was forced to scrap a trip to Brussels after he checked into a critical-care unit Sunday, is expected to “resume his normal duties” Tuesday, the Pentagon says.

Austin, 70, was admitted to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday after experiencing “symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” doctors at Walter Reed said. He was then moved into the critical-care unit.

“[Austin] underwent non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia to address his bladder issue,” doctors at Walter Reed said in a statement Monday. “We anticipate a successful recovery and will closely monitor him overnight.

“The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent,” the hospital officials added.

Last month, the Pentagon chief kicked up a firestorm after it emerged that he and his team failed to disclose two previous hospital stays to top military leaders, Congress and even the White House.

Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December. He underwent prostatectomy surgery Dec. 22.

But then he encountered complications and was admitted to the intensive-care unit in early January, where he remained until being discharged Jan. 15.

Austin was set to partake in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group gathering Wednesday to confer with US partners about the ongoing war raging between Kyiv and Moscow but had to bow out because of his new health issue.

The meeting was set to take place just over a week ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s bloody invasion and as Congress struggles to pass a supplemental package to re-up aid to the US’s war-torn ally of Ukraine.

During his latest hospitalization, Austin transferred his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

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Austin has put a premium on his personal privacy, but critics knocked him for not being more forthcoming about his health woes in December and January, given his role overseeing the military.

The Pentagon chief later apologized for the ordeal.

“I did not handle this right,” Austin admitted earlier this month.

“I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. I apologize to my teammates, and to the American people.”

Austin is set to partake in a House Armed Services Committee hearing by the month’s end and is expected to field questions about his medical woes as well as lack of public disclosure on the matter.

Last month, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) opened a formal congressional investigation into Austin’s health scare and lack of disclosure.

Rogers has sought a “detailed account” of the hospitalization as well as Austin’s communications with Defense and White House officials.

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