Defense Secretary Austin was discharged from the hospital following a secret cancer procedure that had problems

On Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin left the hospital after two weeks of treatment for problems following prostate cancer surgery, which he had concealed from senior Biden administration officials and personnel for weeks. While he heals, he is anticipated to work from home.

Austin, 70, was found to have cancer earlier in the month during a routine checkup. He was brought to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22 and had surgery to treat the condition. A week later, he became infected, and on January 1st, he was brought to the hospital and placed in intensive care.
According to the doctors, he stayed in the hospital so he could receive physical therapy because of persistent leg pain brought on by the infection.

In a statement released on January 15, Lloyd said, “I’m eager to fully recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon as I continue to recuperate and perform my duties from home.”

Austin didn’t disclose his hospitalization to President Joe Biden or other top administration officials until January 4, and he withheld his cancer diagnosis until January 9. Although Biden has stated that Austin made a mistake in judgment by not informing him about the hospitalization, the Democratic president maintains his faith in his Pentagon chief.

Austin attended Walter Reed. Late last week, the United States began a series of military strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, who are backed by Iran. The strikes were directed at numerous places associated with their campaign of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Working from his hospital bed, Austin balanced meetings in the White House with high-ranking military officials, such as Gen. Erik Kurilla, the director of U.S. Central Command, in order to assess, direct, and finally watch the strikes take place on secure video.

However, the lack of transparency surrounding Austin’s hospitalization has prompted reviews by the Defense Department and administration regarding how to notify the White House and other parties when a Cabinet member needs to delegate decision-making authority to a deputy, as Austin did during his most recent hospital stay and initial surgery. Also, Cabinet members are required to notify the White House Chief of Staff’s office in the event that they are unable to carry out their duties.

Members of Congress from both parties expressed disapproval of Austin’s secrecy, and House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, announced he had launched an official investigation into the situation. Although there were open calls for Austin’s resignation, the Pentagon chief’s position remains safe, according to the White House.

It’s still unknown when Austin will return to his Pentagon office or how his cancer treatment will impact his future travel, employment, and other public appearances. While he heals, some of his daily responsibilities have been delegated to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.