Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had to cancel a trip to Brussels after he was checked into a critical care unit Sunday, an official confirmed to The Post.
Austin was set to take part in a gathering of the Ukrainian Defense Liaison Group on Wednesday to discuss with critical partners the ongoing war between Kyiv and Moscow.
The meeting is expected to take place more than a week before the two-year anniversary of Russia’s bloody invasion and comes as Congress struggles to pass an additional package to replenish aid to the war-torn ally.
Austin, 70, checked himself into Walter Reed National Army Medical Center on Sunday, after experiencing “symptoms suggestive of an emerging bladder problem,” doctors at Walter Reed said. He was later transferred to the critical care unit.
“It is unclear how long Secretary Austin will remain in the hospital,” doctors said in a statement. “The current bladder issue is not expected to change his expected full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent.”
While hospitalized, Austin transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Lloyd Austin has come under fire for keeping two previous hospitalizations quiet. Getty Images
Last month, the Pentagon chief sparked a firestorm after he and his team failed to disclose two hospital stays to top military leaders, Congress, and even the White House.
Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December. He underwent prostatectomy surgery on Dec. 22.
But then, he developed complications and was admitted to the intensive care unit in early January where he remained until he was discharged on January 15.
Start your day with everything you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Thank you for signing up!
Austin has placed a premium on his personal privacy, but critics have slammed him for not being more open about his health problems given his role overseeing the military.
The Pentagon chief later apologized for the ordeal.
“I don’t handle this right,” Austin admitted earlier this month.
“I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should also have told my team and the American public. I apologize to my teammates, and to the American people.”
Lloyd Austin has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war to repel Russian aggressors. Ukrainian presidential press/AFP via Getty Images
Austin is set to take part in a House Armed Services Committee hearing by the end of the month and is expected to field questions about his medical problems and lack of public disclosure on the matter.
Last month, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) opened a formal congressional investigation into Austin’s health scare and lack of disclosure.
Rogers has obtained a “detailed account” of Austin’s hospitalizations and communications with Defense and White House officials.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
