The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd AustinAccording to the spokesman for the US Department of Defense, he was readmitted this Sunday to the Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Maryland because he had “symptoms suggestive of an incipient bladder problem.” Pat Ryder. However, Austin retains the functions and responsibilities of his position. He was brought to the hospital with classified and unclassified communications systems necessary to carry out his duties.
It is the second time since December last year that the Pentagon chief, who is suffering from prostate cancer, has had to be hospitalized. This time, unlike the previous time, he reported his health to both Congress and the White House.
The defense minister underwent minimally invasive surgery for prostate cancer on December 22. The operation caused a urinary tract infection and severe intestinal complications, causing him to be hospitalized again on January 1. He was out for five days and did not return to work until the evening of January 5th.
The White House was not informed of his arrival. president Joe BidenCommander-in-Chief, Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, and other members of the administration did not learn of their situation until three days later. An unusual secrecy in Washington that triggered a spiral of criticism and speculation.
“I should have informed the president of my cancer diagnosis, and I should have informed my team and the American public,” Austin apologized in January, taking responsibility and trying to justify himself. “The news shocked me as I know it shocks so many others, particularly in the black community.” It was a hard blow. And honestly, my first instinct was to keep it private. I don’t think it’s news that I’m a pretty reserved guy. I have never liked burdening others with my problems. “That’s not my way of being,” the soldier explained.