Updated May 25, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undergoes medical procedure and resumes duties

Sareen Habeshian

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participates in a meeting with Canadian Defense Minister Will — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on May 13 in Arlington, Va. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has successfully undergone an elective and minimally invasive medical procedure and has resumed his duties after temporarily relinquishing them, the Pentagon said.

The big picture: The announcement comes after criticism of the initial secrecy surrounding Austin's two-week hospitalization earlier this year following complications from prostate cancer treatment.

Catch up quick: "The Secretary has determined he will be temporarily unable to perform his functions and duties during the procedure," Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement, adding that Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will assume his post.

The White House and Congress have been notified, per Ryder.

Zoom in: The non-surgical procedure took about 2.5 hours and was a follow-up to a bladder issue unrelated to his prior prostate cancer issues.

It was performed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Friday evening, per the Pentagon.
"The Secretary's bladder issue is not related to his cancer diagnosis and has had no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis," Ryder said.

Go deeper: Lloyd Austin called to testify before Congress on hospitalization

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the defense secretary's medical procedure has been completed.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undergoes medical procedure and resumes duties

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