Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recuperates at home after hospital release

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was being treated for a brief admission that began on Sunday. According to a statement from the Pentagon, Austin is "well and has resumed his full functions and duties Tuesday evening at 5 p.m."

Reason for admission

The admission was due to a "bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery," which according to doctors is unrelated to his cancer diagnosis and won't affect his prognosis. This hospitalization comes after a previous stay in January, where the disclosure was delayed, and the White House and the public were kept unaware for days.

Previous hospitalization and responsibilities assumed

Austin had checked into the hospital on Jan. 1 but failed to inform President Joe Biden and other top officials for three days. During his recent hospitalization, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks assumed some of Austin's duties. His release was communicated to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress.

Recovery and resuming duties

Austin has been advised by doctors to work remotely from home while recovering, with full access to unclassified and classified communication systems, before returning to the Pentagon later in the week.