Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment related to an emergent bladder issue, according to recent reports. As a result, he has transferred his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Austin’s hospitalization was announced swiftly, following criticism about the lack of transparency during his previous hospitalization. In December, Austin had received treatment for prostate cancer, which initially required an overnight stay but later led to complications.
The unannounced hospitalization raised concerns about the transparency of the current administration and has faced backlash from Republicans. Austin has since apologized for not notifying President Joe Biden and the American public about his diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization.
To address these concerns, the Office of the Secretary of Defense conducted a 30-day review of notification procedures. While many parts of the review are classified, Austin is currently reviewing the findings and intends to make them as transparent as possible once his review is complete.
As Austin remains hospitalized in the critical care unit, it remains unclear how long he will need to stay. Additional details regarding his current condition and treatment have not been disclosed.
The hospitalization of the Defense Secretary has sparked discussions about the continuity of leadership and decision-making in his absence. Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks will assume Austin’s duties during his hospitalization, ensuring that there is minimal disruption to the Department of Defense’s operations.
The Puck Drop will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
