Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s critical care unit for close monitoring after being brought back by his security detail for symptoms that suggested an emerging bladder issue, according to doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His powers have been temporarily transferred to Kathleen Hicks as his acting successor at Walter Reed. The Pentagon reports this news release as confirmation.
Doctors Say He Is Alive
Doctors at Walter Reed have reported that Defense Secretary Lloyd is making steady progress. Although still hospitalized, he has been moved out of intensive care and into “close monitoring.”
On Sunday, Pentagon doctors reported he had experienced severe abdominal pain following his prostate cancer surgery, as well as developing a bladder infection. They described Austin’s prognosis as being excellent, expecting him to make a full recovery.
After his surgery in December, Austin experienced complications which forced him back into hospital on January 1. Unfortunately, White House officials weren’t made aware of his condition until two days later; even then many leaders weren’t informed until informed by Austin’s chief of staff and military officials.
This incident caused serious concerns over transparency within the administration, prompting some Republicans to demand Austin be removed from his post. President Biden stood behind Austin and promised to review procedures for delegating authority when Cabinet secretaries are absent; in a memo sent out by White House’s Chief of Staff to Cabinet members, interim procedures until new guidelines can be established were outlined; simultaneously, Pentagon policies regarding delegated authority are under review while military hospitals have assumed Austin’s duties until then.
Austin Transferred His Duties to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has handed his functions and duties over to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks while hospitalized for bladder problems at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday evening, after experiencing symptoms that suggested emergent bladder issues, according to a Pentagon statement. It remains uncertain for how long Austin will stay at Walter Reed; both the White House and Congress were informed as soon as this happened.
Hicks was briefed on the situation and will provide updates, according to a Pentagon statement. As per standard protocol for cabinet members who become hospitalized due to health reasons, all authority is transferred when their authorities are transferred over.
News of Austin’s appointment comes just days after lawmakers found out about how the Pentagon concealed details regarding his prior prostate cancer surgery and complications, prompting calls from lawmakers for his resignation. President Biden supported Austin during this period while also assuring him of his support; however, White House officials rejected demands for greater transparency in matters concerning Austin.
The administration has pledged to improve future communication and congressional leaders have sent letters to the Pentagon asking how it happened. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers initiated a formal investigation, while Pentagon officials have indicated they are reviewing chain of command procedures during times of crises.
Austin Transferred to Critical Care Unit
White House and Congress officials are demanding answers as to why Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin kept his illness a secret, leading lawmakers to request that Pentagon officials explain his state and how his duties were managed while hospitalized.
On Jan. 2, certain authorities were transferred from Austin’s administration and on medical advice, to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks who is sixth-in-line for president based on her condition and medical advice. A Pentagon statement informed that Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, White House National Security Advisor and Members of Congress were all informed.
Early this month, Austin issued an apology for keeping his hospitalization secret from both the public and White House. At a press conference he explained how cancer diagnosis hit like a blow and his initial instinct was to keep things private; however, he never instructed his staff members to keep his hospitalization a secret.
The Pentagon has completed an internal review and will issue its report later on, while Magsamen has ordered a 30-day review of policies surrounding transfer of authority and how White House and Congress are informed about it. No date or results have been set; just another step in an unfolding controversy surrounding this incident.
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