Lloyd Austin Undergoes Hospital Treatment, Transfers and Resumes Command

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Facts

  • The Pentagon has stated that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to the hospital on Friday night for a scheduled medical procedure, temporarily transferring his powers over to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks. Austin reportedly resumed his duties later Friday.1
  • Press secretary Pat Ryder said that the procedure at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was 'successful, elective, and minimally invasive' and was meant to treat bladder issues that arose as a result of earlier cancer treatment.2
  • The 70-year-old secretary had been diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and faced bipartisan criticism for failing to disclose two prior hospital visits. Ryder says Congress and the White House were informed of this most recent stay.2
  • This week, Austin is traveling to Singapore — for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue on security — Cambodia, one of China's closest regional allies, and France, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings3
  • Questions over Austin's health arose after it was revealed that his cancer diagnosis and a three-day hospital visit in January were not disclosed to Pres. Joe Biden at the time, with the White House criticizing him for a 'lack of transparency.'1
  • The non-surgical procedure occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time, with Austin returning to his duties at around 8:25 p.m. the same evening. Austin was slated to participate in Memorial Day commemorations on Monday.4

Sources: 1Guardian, 2BBC News, 3Associated Press and 4New York Times.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Washington Post. Austin has now been completely transparent regarding his health. A perfect storm of circumstances botched the disclosure of his earlier medical problems, with Pres. Biden standing behind his defense secretary all the way. Austin has the complete trust of the administration and looks forward to his continued presence at the helm.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. Austin's previous opacity regarding his health issues makes him unqualified to lead the nation's army. Austin vanished without a trace earlier this year, weakening America in the eyes of the world, and raising serious questions as to his fitness for the job. In the face of an uncertain world, Austin must resign for health reasons.

Predictions