Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Medical Procedure

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will undergo a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to address ongoing bladder issues that arose after his treatment for prostate cancer. The procedure is elective and minimally invasive, not related to his cancer diagnosis, and he will temporarily transfer power to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Nonsurgical Procedure

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will undergo a scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure for a bladder issue, unrelated to his cancer diagnosis, transferring power temporarily to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's actions and criticism

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced criticism for seeking grace and forgiveness for his undisclosed medical leave while refusing to extend the same grace to 8,600 service members discharged due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Rep. Matt Gaetz highlighted Austin's breach of protocol and lack of accountability, pushing for reinstatement of the discharged service members.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Testifying Before House Armed Services Committee

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee about keeping his hospitalization a secret in January.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization Secrecy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for complications from prostate cancer surgery was kept secret from the White House and the public for several days, leading to criticism of the Pentagon. An internal review largely absolved anyone of wrongdoing, citing no ill intent.