The Pentagon announced on Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will temporarily delegate his powers to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks while he undergoes a medical procedure.
Major General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, stated that the nonsurgical procedure on his bladder is “scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive.”
The procedure will be conducted at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The bladder issue is apparently not associated with his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Austin’s status will reportedly be disclosed subsequent to the procedure on Friday, according to the Pentagon.
The announcement is likely an effort by the department to increase transparency regarding Austin’s health, as the secretary underwent two operations in December and January without informing President Biden, Hicks, or the public.
The secretary was subjected to intense criticism following the announcement that Austin had been hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit in early January.
Many conservatives in particular found the circumstances of Austin’s former surgery unacceptable. As it could have prevented a potentially serious threat to national security.
He was transported back to Walter Reed and admitted to the intensive care unit with what was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection. The Pentagon issued a statement after the secretary was hospitalized for several days.
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