Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was once again admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to a bladder complication after his previous hospitalization on Dec. 22, 2023, and subsequent release on Jan. 9, 2024, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
The Pentagon stated that Austin was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by his security detail around 2:20 p.m. According to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin is currently carrying out his official duties, but the deputy defense secretary has been informed and is ready to assume Austin’s responsibilities “if necessary.”
Following Austin’s previous hospitalization, the White House advised Cabinet members and secretaries to inform the chief of staff in case they are unable to fulfill their duties. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and some members of Congress were also notified, in addition to the White House.
Ryder mentioned that Austin brought the necessary communication systems for his duties when he went to the hospital.
Austin had plans to travel to Brussels to lead a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he had established in 2022 to coordinate military aid for Kyiv after Russia’s invasion, followed by a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It is unclear if his hospitalization will impact these plans.
Further information: Lloyd Austin concealed his cancer diagnosis. When should employees disclose a serious medical condition?
–Reporting from the Associated Press.