US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to a hospital in Washington on Sunday for medical attention related to "symptoms indicating an emergent bladder issue," as relayed by a Pentagon spokesperson.
Subsequently, the duties of his office were delegated to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, as communicated by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder in an official statement.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers voiced criticism towards Austin last month for not disclosing a cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalizations in December and January, including to President Joe Biden. Prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, advocated for Austin's removal from office.
This incident proved to be a source of embarrassment for President Biden, prompting Austin to issue an apology during a televised news briefing. Austin is scheduled to provide testimony before Congress on February 29 regarding the matter.
Despite acknowledging a lapse in judgment, President Biden, a Democrat, expressed confidence in Austin's capabilities.
In light of the secretary's hospitalization and to prevent a recurrence of last month's political turmoil, the Pentagon swiftly announced the transfer of Austin's responsibilities to his deputy.
Austin, a retired four-star general with extensive experience leading forces in Iraq and serving as America's first Black defense secretary, remained hospitalized last month during U.S. forces' retaliatory strike against an Iranian-backed militia leader in Baghdad.
Currently, three separate investigations are underway regarding Austin's conduct, including one conducted by the Pentagon's Inspector General, an agency tasked with overseeing military integrity and accountability. Mike Rogers, the Republican chair of the House Armed Services Committee, has summoned Austin to provide testimony.
Despite his hospitalization, Austin is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday. It remains uncertain whether his medical condition will impact these travel arrangements.
