Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Released from Hospital Following Secret Prostate Cancer Surgery

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay to treat complications from surgery for prostate cancer. The 70-year-old will be working from home as he continues to recuperate. Austin's doctors have stated that he progressed well during his hospital stay and that his strength is rebounding. They have also confirmed that the cancer was treated early, with an excellent prognosis.

Expressing his gratitude to the medical staff, Austin stated that he is eager to fully recover and return to the Pentagon as quickly as possible. He was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22 for surgery after the cancer was detected during a routine screening earlier in the month. However, he developed an infection on January 1 and was subsequently admitted to intensive care.

During his hospitalization, Austin underwent various medical tests and received treatment for lingering leg pain. He will require physical therapy but does not require further cancer treatment beyond regular checks, according to Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, who attended to him at Walter Reed.

President Joe Biden and senior administration officials were only informed of Austin's hospitalization on January 4, and Austin himself did not disclose his cancer diagnosis until January 9. Although Biden acknowledged the lapse in judgment, he has expressed confidence in Austin's capabilities as the Secretary of Defense.

Despite Austin's involvement in important military decisions, such as the recent strikes on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, his lack of transparency regarding his hospitalization has prompted reviews within the administration and the Defense Department. The White House chief of staff has also instructed Cabinet members to notify his office if they are unable to carry out their duties.

Austin's secrecy has drawn criticism from members of Congress, with the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Mike Rogers, initiating a formal inquiry into the matter. Calls for Austin's resignation have been made, but the White House has assured that his position remains secure.

It remains uncertain when Austin will be able to return to his office at the Pentagon and how his cancer treatment will impact his job responsibilities and public engagements in the future. In the meantime, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been assuming some of his day-to-day duties during his recovery.