Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin’s Hospitalization Revealed After Days of Secrecy
The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has been quietly hospitalized at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center since the beginning of the year, as disclosed by Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder on Friday. The hospitalization, shrouded in secrecy, was attributed to “complications following a recent elective medical procedure,” with Austin, a 70-year-old retired general, expected to resume full duties soon.
The Pentagon, choosing not to disclose details about the nature of the elective procedure or the complications, cited privacy concerns and the evolving situation for the decision to keep Austin’s hospital stay undisclosed for several days. Ryder assured that Austin is recovering well, emphasizing the expectation of his return to regular duties.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been overseeing routine business on Austin’s behalf during his hospitalization, with Ryder confirming her readiness to exercise the powers of the secretary if necessary.
The lack of transparency in revealing Austin’s hospitalization has been noted as a departure from the Marine Corps’ handling of similar situations. In October, the Marine Corps promptly informed reporters of General Eric Smith’s heart attack, providing updates on his recovery.
Lloyd Austin made history as the first African American to lead the Pentagon, nominated by President Joe Biden in January 2021. Prior to his role in the Biden administration, Austin, who retired from the military in 2016, served on the board of military contractor Raytheon Technologies. To assume the position of Defense Secretary, Austin received a congressional waiver, as he did not meet the required seven-year gap since active military service, as stipulated by law.
BREAKING: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized after complications following a recent elective medical procedure. The Pentagon says he is recovering well. pic.twitter.com/Kd518UddNg
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 6, 2024