Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is currently recovering after experiencing complications following an elective surgery.
He was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C. on Monday, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
"On the evening of January 1, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for complications following a recent elective medical procedure," Ryder stated.
Ryder also mentioned that Austin is expected to fully resume his duties today and that he is recovering well. The hospitalization occurred after the surgery but not immediately after, Ryder clarified.
The news of Austin's hospitalization was only shared with the media on Friday. Ryder explained that the delay in disclosing the information was due to "medical and personal privacy issues."
"This has been an evolving situation in which we [have] had to consider a number of factors including medical and personal privacy issues," Ryder told Fox News. "We are now in a position to update you."
The specific details regarding the elective medical procedure and the date of the surgery have not been made public at this time.
During Austin's absence, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been fulfilling his duties as part of a previously scheduled leave.
"At all times, the deputy secretary of defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the secretary, if required," Ryder assured.
Login