US Defense Sec Austin Receives Hospital Care

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired four-star Army general, recently underwent hospital treatment for a bladder-related issue, marking his second hospitalization in just over three months. During his stay, he temporarily turned over his duties to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. A successful procedure was conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, with Austin resuming his duties shortly after.

In late December, Austin underwent a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer. Although complications arose post-surgery, he returned to work promptly. However, his failure to disclose important health information, such as his hospitalizations, drew criticism from officials, leading to calls for his dismissal. Austin later took responsibility for the lack of transparency and acknowledged the need for better communication.