Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin taken to hospital again, transfers duties to deputy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken back to the hospital on Sunday afternoon, this time «for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,» a Pentagon spokesman said in a statement.

«At approximately 4:55 pm today, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office of the Secretary of Defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks,» Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement, updating the public early Thursday evening. «The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified.»

The defense secretary previously underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure for prostate cancer on Dec. 22, which led to a urinary tract infection and serious intestinal complications. He was hospitalized again on Jan. 1, but the White House didn't learn of it for three days — secrecy that sparked intense scrutiny and criticism.

«I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis, and should also have told my team and the American public,» Austin told reporters earlier this month. «I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.»

Austin also spoke in personal terms about his health challenges.

«The news shook me, as I know that it shakes so many others, especially in the Black community. It was a gut punch,» he said then. «And frankly, my first instinct was to keep it private. I don't think it's news that I'm a pretty private guy. I never like burdening others with my problems. It's just not my way.»

President Joe Biden has publicly faulted Austin for not informing him earlier of his hospitalization after his cancer procedure, telling