The Pentagon announced on Monday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been released from the hospital. He had prostate cancer surgery on December 22 and was readmitted to the hospital with an infection on January 1.
The Pentagon stated, “The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon. He has full access to required secure communications capabilities.”
Secretary Austin also stated: “I’m 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. I am also thankful and appreciative of the well wishes I received for a speedy recovery.
“Now, as I continue to recuperate and perform my duties from home, I’m eager to recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon.”
It was not until January 4 that President Biden was advised of the absence of the Defense Secretary. At the same time, the Deputy Secretary, Kathleen Hicks, was vacationing in Puerto Rico. She, likewise, was not aware of the Secretary’s absence until January 4. Congress was subsequently informed.
The Pentagon said the chief of staff for Secretary Austin was sick with the flu and unable to notify the administration and Congress immediately.
Congress will be investigating the absence without notice, and a probe is also underway by the Defense Department’s Inspector General.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For healing for the defense secretary as he continues to recover at home.
- For Pentagon leaders and the defense inspector general as they investigate the delegation of authority in emergency absences.
- For members of Congress as they probe the lack of disclosure of the defense secretary’s illness.
Sources: CNN, Gateway Pundit
