Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Undergo Medical Procedure, Temporarily Transfers Power to Deputy

In an announcement made by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, it has been revealed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be undergoing a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday evening. As a result, he will transfer power temporarily to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

The medical procedure, described as elective and minimally invasive, is unrelated to Austin's previous prostate cancer diagnosis and has no impact on his positive cancer prognosis, according to Ryder. The Defense Secretary has been facing bladder issues since December, after receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

This is not the first time that Austin has experienced health complications. Following his prostatectomy, he spent two weeks in the hospital due to complications. At that time, criticism arose for not immediately informing the President or Congress about his diagnosis and hospitalization.

In February, Austin was readmitted to Walter Reed for a bladder issue, which led to his admission to intensive care for a second time. He underwent a non-surgical procedure under general anesthesia to address the problem.

The Pentagon has notified both the White House and Congress about Austin's upcoming medical procedure and the temporary transfer of power. Ryder emphasized that Austin's health issues have not affected his ability to fulfill his duties as Defense Secretary.

As Austin undergoes his medical procedure, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will assume authority in his absence. The precise details regarding the nature of the procedure and the expected recovery time have not been disclosed.

It is evident that Austin's health challenges have persisted over the past months. However, the Defense Secretary remains committed to leading the Department of Defense and is expected to resume his duties once he has fully recovered from the procedure.