Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized, Cancels Europe Trip

Lloyd Austin undergoes nonsurgical procedures for bladder issue, expected to resume duties soon.

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.