


Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will undergo a non-surgical procedure Friday night, prompting a temporary transfer of power, the Department of Defense announced Friday afternoon, just months after Austin took heat for not disclosing a previous hospitalization.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will undergo a “scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive” ... [+]
Austin will undergo a “scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive” procedure as a follow-up to a previous bladder issue at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Friday night, the Pentagon announced.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will temporarily assume Austin’s functions as acting secretary in Austin’s absence.
Austin had also been admitted to the Washington, D.C., area hospital in February for an “emergent bladder issue,” according to Pentagon officials—Austin’s second hospitalization of the year, following a previous stint related to complications from a surgery for prostate cancer.
The bladder issue is not related to Austin’s prostate cancer diagnosis, the department clarified.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.