Following controversy surrounding his recent hospitalization, the Pentagon on Saturday released an update on the health status of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
“Secretary Austin is hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition,” the article said. statement From Department of Defense Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
“He remains in touch with senior staff, has full access to the necessary secure communications capabilities, and continues to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Department of Defense around the world.”
The statement also said the Pentagon “does not have a specific date for Secretary Austin's discharge from the hospital at this time, but will continue to provide daily updates until then.”
Austin was admitted to Walter Reed in Washington, D.C., on the 1st of this month due to complications “including nausea with severe abdominal, hip and leg pain” from a procedure he underwent at the hospital in December to fight prostate cancer. He was admitted to the National Military Medical Center. He reportedly kept it a secret from the White House. He also kept his subsequent hospital visit a secret for days.
President Biden said Friday that Austin showed poor judgment in not informing him of his hospitalization. But he also said he still has confidence in the defense secretary.
Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Austin on Wednesday demanding that the Pentagon provide a detailed timeline of events surrounding the defense secretary's “incapacitation” and hospitalization.
“We are deeply troubled by the apparent breakdown in communication between your office and other officials at the Department of Defense, the White House, and Congress over the past two weeks,” they wrote. writing.
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