Recently it became known that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized.
It turned out that back in December last year, doctors discovered prostate cancer in the Pentagon chief.
The high-ranking American military leader underwent surgery, and in early January of this year he was hospitalized due to complications that arose.
What doctors say
TASS reported this with reference to a statement by representatives of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland.
According to them, Austin’s prostate cancer was detected during a regular examination in early December 2023.
For this reason, he underwent minimally invasive surgery on December 22.
Doctors say that the head of the Ministry of Defense was under general anesthesia during the procedure.
The next day he was sent home, since the disease was discovered early and the prognosis was “excellent.”
Complications
But on January 1 of this year, Austin was taken to the mentioned medical center due to complications that arose, including “lightheadedness, acute pain in the abdomen, hip and leg.”
An initial examination revealed a urinary tract infection, the statement said.
On the second day of January, the minister was transferred to the intensive care unit. Doctors claimed that the patient was recovering and was expected to make a “full recovery.”
However, they noted that the process can take quite a long time.
They also reported that Austin “has never lost consciousness or been under general anesthesia” since his January hospitalization.
Pentagon and Kirby statements
Two days ago, the Pentagon press secretary noted: the head of the department does not plan to resign due to the fact that the Ministry of Defense did not promptly report the hospitalization of its leader.
The spokesman said Austin “continues to focus on fulfilling his responsibilities.”
On the same day, John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council, said that Joe Biden does not intend to fire the Secretary of Defense.
However, he added, the presidential administration will conduct an investigation into the Pentagon’s failure to promptly report Austin’s hospitalization.
Biden and Congress
At the same time, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden “fully trusts” his defense minister.
Before this, congressmen demanded that Austin explain the reason why the Pentagon hid the fact of his hospitalization.
And the Politico newspaper learned that Austin’s hospitalization was hidden from the public and authorities for three days.
It was previously reported that Lloyd Austin had complications.
