Defense Secretary Austin released from hospital

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released Monday from the hospital after a two-week stay that he initially kept secret even from the White House.

Austin, 70, developed a severe infection after surgery for prostate cancer Dec. 22 and was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Jan. 1. He failed for days to inform the White House and Congress of his diagnosis, treatment and eventually his return to the hospital. The lack of communication with the Pentagon, the White House and Congress about his serious illness sparked bipartisan outrage and multiple investigations.

Austin was discharged to his home in northern Virginia and will perform his duties remotely before returning fulltime to the Pentagon, according to a Defense Department statement.

It was not clear when that would happen or how his cancer treatment will affect his job, travel and other public engagements going forward. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been taking on some of his day-to-day duties as he recovers.

Austin continues to have “lingering leg pains,” according to a statement from his doctors, John Maddox and Gregory Chestnut. He will continue to have physical therapy and regular follow-up exams, they said. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Austin issued a brief statement thanking the doctors and nursing staff at Walter Reed. “I’m eager to fully recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon,” Austin added.

President Joe Biden and senior administration officials were not told about Austin’s hospitalization until Jan. 4, and Austin kept the cancer diagnosis secret until Jan. 9. Biden has said Austin’s failure to tell him about the hospitalization was a lapse in judgment, but the president insists he still has confidence in his Pentagon chief.

During Austin’s time at Walter Reed, the U.S. launched a series of military strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen (see Page 4A). Working from his hospital bed, Austin juggled calls with senior military leaders and the White House to review, order and ultimately watch the strikes unfold over secure video.