Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from hospital on Monday after a two-week stay to treat an infection following earlier prostate cancer surgery.
The delay in informing authorities about his hospitalization led to controversy and some MPs called for an investigation.
“The Secretary’s condition continues to improve and, on the advice of doctors, he will take a period of recovery before returning to the Pentagon full-time to perform his duties,” the Defense Department said in a statement. “He has full access to the necessary secure communications capabilities.”
Austin underwent elective surgery to treat prostate cancer on December 22. He was sent back to the hospital on January 1 due to complications from the procedure.
The Pentagon said Monday that Austin’s cancer “was treated quickly and effectively, and his prognosis is excellent.” According to the department, he has no plans for further treatment other than regular monitoring.
Austin said in his statement that he will “continue to recover and perform his duties from home” and looks forward to returning to the Pentagon as soon as possible.
“I am grateful for the excellent care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and want to thank the outstanding doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism and superb support,” he said. “I am also grateful and appreciative of all the well wishes for a speedy recovery.”
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 22: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Liaison Group (UDCG) at the Pentagon on November 22, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. Austin delivered opening remarks to participating members, including foreign ministers and secretaries of state. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Austin and the Pentagon have been criticized over the process of his hospitalization, which was kept secret from the White House and other officials for three days.
President Joe Biden commented on the controversy for the first time last Friday, saying Austin showed a lapse in judgment by not informing him earlier that he was hospitalized.
When asked by a reporter if he still had confidence in Austin, Biden responded that he did.
Austin was hospitalized as tensions escalated in the Red Sea as Iran-backed Houthi militants continued attacks on ships in the vital waterway.
The United States led a coalition of partners, including the United Kingdom, to launch retaliatory strikes against the Houthis on January 11 after the Houthis failed to heed international warnings.
The White House and the Pentagon described Austin’s involvement in the military action, saying he ordered Central Command to launch those strikes and monitored them in real time.
The Houthis vowed to retaliate and fired a missile toward a U.S. warship on Sunday, which was shot down by a U.S. warplane, U.S. military officials said.
According to US Central Command, terrorists attacked a US-owned and operated commercial container ship on Monday. The ship reported no injuries or significant damage.
