Overview

• Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III was hospitalized for complications stemming from prostate cancer surgery, leading to the cancellation of his trip to Europe.
• Austin underwent nonsurgical procedures under general anesthesia to address an emergent bladder issue and is expected to resume his normal duties on Tuesday.
• Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has assumed Austin's duties temporarily, with plans for Austin to participate virtually in a meeting on Ukraine in Brussels.
• Austin's health issues have raised concerns and prompted an investigation by the Defense Department's inspector general into the handling of his hospitalizations.
• Austin's cancer prognosis remains excellent, and a prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated.