Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin‘s planned trip to Brussels this week has been canceled after his recent hospitalization for an emergent bladder issue, a U.S. defense official revealed on Monday. This development comes amid ongoing health challenges for the Defense Secretary, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in December.
Initially scheduled to attend crucial meetings in Brussels, including a session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and a gathering of NATO defense ministers, Austin’s health setback has forced a shift to virtual participation for these events.
Austin’s recent hospitalization on Sunday, stemming from complications related to his prostate cancer treatment, raised doubts about his ability to fulfill his travel obligations. The Defense Department shared that the Secretary will no longer be traveling to Brussels, with Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks assuming his responsibilities.
The news of Austin’s hospitalization comes after a previous undisclosed hospitalization in early January, following his prostate cancer surgery. This lack of transparency drew criticism, prompting Austin to publicly acknowledge his lapse in judgment and apologize to President Joe Biden and the American people.
In a statement released by the Pentagon press secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, it was revealed that Austin had been admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday evening. His doctors, Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, assured that while the exact duration of his hospital stay is uncertain, Austin’s prognosis remains positive, and his cancer recovery is anticipated to be unaffected.
Austin’s health challenges have been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, with President Biden expressing disappointment over the delayed notification of Austin’s initial hospitalization in January. Despite this, Biden reiterated his confidence in Austin’s leadership.
Reflecting on his health struggles, Austin candidly shared his initial instinct to keep his diagnosis private, citing his natural inclination towards privacy. However, he acknowledged the impact of his decision on others, particularly within the Black community, and expressed regret for not informing President Biden sooner.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Austin’s health and the handling of his medical disclosures have prompted internal reviews and investigations by the Defense Department Inspector General.
As Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin focuses on his recovery, the Pentagon continues its operations under the stewardship of Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Updates on Austin’s condition and any further developments will be provided in due course.
