Breaking News…
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized again on Sunday, less than a month after his previous secret stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Austin, who is being treated for prostate cancer, experienced symptoms of what is being termed “an emergent bladder issue” and was taken back to the hospital by his security detail.
Unlike his previous hospitalization that began on Jan. 1, Austin notified the White House, Congress and Pentagon officials of his condition, according to Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Austin has not transferred his authority to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, but if it should become necessary, she is prepared to take on those responsibilities.
The Defense Secretary can continue to perform his official duties from the hospital, as secret communications systems are in place for such an eventuality.
Subsequent to the discovery of his secret hospital stay, he has admitted that the cancer diagnosis was a “gut punch” for him and he initially wanted to keep it private, but as a result of widespread criticism, he later admitted that he “did not handle this right” and apologized for the communication failure that sparked bipartisan outrage and multiple investigations.
This is a developing story.
