Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from the hospital after spending two weeks there for the treatment of complications arising from prostate cancer surgery. The surgery was kept secret from senior Biden administration leaders and staff for several weeks. Austin, 70, underwent the procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22, after the cancer was detected during a routine screening earlier in the month.

Following the surgery, Austin developed an infection and was admitted to intensive care on January 1. Throughout his hospitalization, President Joe Biden and senior administration officials were unaware of the situation until January 4. Austin also did not reveal his cancer diagnosis until January 9. President Biden, acknowledging the lapse in judgment, expressed confidence in Austin's abilities as the Pentagon chief.

Despite his hospital stay, Austin continued to manage his responsibilities. He participated in calls with senior military leaders, including Gen. Erik Kurilla of U.S. Central Command, while also attending White House meetings through secure video links. From his hospital bed, Austin reviewed, ordered, and observed the U.S. military strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, targeting locations associated with their campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The lack of transparency surrounding Austin's hospitalization has prompted reviews within the administration and the Defense Department. The aim is to establish clear protocols for notifying the White House and other stakeholders when a Cabinet member must delegate decision-making authority to a deputy, as Austin did during his initial surgery and a portion of his recent hospital stay. Additionally, the White House chief of staff has instructed Cabinet members to inform his office in case they are unable to perform their duties.

Criticism has been directed at Austin for his secrecy, with members of Congress from both sides of the political spectrum expressing their disappointment. Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and an Alabama Republican, has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter. While some have called for Austin's resignation, the White House has confirmed that his position as Pentagon chief remains secure.

There is currently no definitive timeline for Austin's return to his office at the Pentagon. The impact of his cancer treatment on his job responsibilities, travel, and public engagements going forward remains uncertain. In the meantime, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has assumed some of Austin's day-to-day duties as he focuses on his recovery.