Lloyd Austin US defence chief Austin hospitalised again, transfers duties to deputy

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has delegated his responsibilities to his deputy while receiving treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a sudden bladder issue, the Pentagon has confirmed.

At 70 years old, Mr. Austin’s condition led to his admission to the critical care unit, although the duration of his hospital stay remains uncertain.

This development follows scrutiny over his prior undisclosed prostate cancer diagnosis and recent hospitalizations, raising questions about transparency and leadership within the Pentagon.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has assumed the duties of the office in Mr. Austin’s absence, with the Pentagon emphasizing that the transfer of responsibilities is temporary.

Despite the setback, medical professionals remain optimistic about Mr. Austin’s recovery, reaffirming his excellent prognosis in light of his previous cancer diagnosis.

While Mr. Austin was expected to attend a crucial meeting in Brussels concerning the conflict in Ukraine, his hospitalization may affect these plans, pending further updates on his condition.

The incident has prompted investigations into Mr. Austin’s handling of his health issues, with some political figures advocating for his removal from office. President Biden, however, expressed confidence in Mr. Austin’s leadership, acknowledging the need for greater transparency regarding his health status.

Mr. Austin, the first African-American to serve as Defence Secretary, is set to testify before Congress regarding the circumstances surrounding his illness notification later this month.

Shortly after, around 16:55 local time (21:55 GMT), the Pentagon issued another statement announcing that Mr. Austin had officially delegated the responsibilities of his position to Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

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