US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Returns to Pentagon Following Secret Hospital Stay

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has resumed duties at the Pentagon after an undisclosed hospital stay due to cancer treatment complications. His hospitalization was belatedly communicated to the White House, Congress, and President Biden in early January.

Austin, 70, faced a setback from prostate cancer surgery on December 22, resulting in readmission to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The Defense Department confirmed his return to work and ongoing recovery from home since January 15, highlighting his participation in a Ukraine aid meeting via video and a promising prognosis after a recent check-up.

Despite criticism from Republican lawmakers calling for his dismissal, President Biden has expressed continued confidence in Austin despite recognizing the error in not reporting his condition sooner.