US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin remains in hospital – Pentagon
The Pentagon has disclosed that Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary, is currently in hospital and in “good condition” after receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
According to the statement, Mr Austin has resumed some of his responsibilities and is in regular communication with his senior staff.
The Pentagon has not specified a release date from the hospital. The 70-year-old secretary had been admitted to an intensive care unit on January 1 due to complications arising from a surgery in late December.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, information about his health was not shared with senior defense officials and the White House until three days later.
In a Saturday statement, Maj Gen Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, assured that Mr Austin has full access to secure communications and is actively monitoring the Department of Defense’s global operations.
Daily updates on his condition will be provided, as the defense secretary, holding a critical position just below the president in the military chain of command, is considered a key member of the cabinet.
His secret admission to hospital has prompted security and transparency concerns, prompting the launch of three probes into the handling of his health crisis at the White House.
The Pentagon’s inspector general has said it will be investigating the matter.
The investigation follows a 30-day assessment ordered by the cabinet secretary’s own office and a review conducted by the White House.
Mr. Austin has faced criticism for not telling senior officials about his treatment for days, and has since apologized for not “ensuring the public was appropriately informed”.
President Joe Biden has stood by him but has conceded it was “sub-optimal” that he had not disclosed the seriousness of his illness.
The White House has since informed cabinet secretaries that they must make it clear to the administration when they are unable to perform their duties.
