OAN’s James Myers
2pm – Monday, February 12, 2024
After being hospitalized for an “emergency bladder issue,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returned to Walter Reed Hospital and transferred his duties to the deputy defense secretary, Pentagon officials said.
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Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Rider confirmed in a press conference that Austin was at Walter Reed National Medical Center, adding that the deputy secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House and Congress had all been notified. .
Mr. Ryder said Mr. Austin was transferred by security to Walter Reed on Sunday, adding that Mr. Austin will take over the functions and duties of the office during that time.
“The Deputy Secretary stands ready to assume the duties and duties of the Secretary of Defense as appropriate,” the statement said. “Secretary Austin traveled to the hospital with unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to carry out his duties.”
The hospitalization came as Austin was scheduled to lead a meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, followed by a meeting of NATO defense ministers. The Secretary of Defense attended the last UDCG meeting on January 23rd.rd Virtually from his home.
Meanwhile, Austin is under intense scrutiny for failing to notify the Biden administration of his previous hospitalization and prostate cancer diagnosis. He is scheduled to testify about the failure before the House Armed Services Committee.
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