Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Absent Again Due to Medical Issues. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is temporarily transferring his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks as he undergoes elective surgery related to a previous bladder issue. Austin, 70, faced criticism earlier this year after it was revealed that he had been hospitalized for complications from a prostate cancer procedure and delegated duties to his deputy without informing top administration officials or Congress.
Austin was hospitalized on January 1 and released on January 15, resuming his duties from home before returning to work at the Pentagon on January 29. He later testified before a House committee about his handling of the situation and expressed remorse for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis and hospitalization earlier.
“I should’ve told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. And I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people,” Austin said during a press conference.
The incident led to multiple inquiries and the White House releasing new guidelines for Cabinet secretaries to enhance transparency rules when authority is delegated to a subordinate.
Today’s procedure is a “minimally invasive follow-up non-surgical procedure” and Austin will temporarily transfer his duties to Hicks during the procedure, which will take place at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“The Secretary has determined he will be temporarily unable to perform his functions and duties during the procedure, so Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will assume the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense and serve as the Acting Secretary of Defense,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Austin’s transfer of duties to Hicks is a precautionary measure to ensure continuity of leadership at the Pentagon during his brief period of recovery. Hicks, a seasoned national security expert, has been serving as Deputy Secretary of Defense since February 2021 and has played a key role in shaping the Biden administration’s defense policy.
The situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government, particularly when it comes to the health and well-being of high-ranking officials. Austin’s initial decision to keep his cancer diagnosis and hospitalization private sparked concerns about a lack of transparency and raised questions about whether he had compromised national security by not informing his superiors.
The incident also underscores the need for clear guidelines and protocols for situations where a Cabinet secretary is unable to perform their duties due to health reasons. The new guidelines released by the White House aim to prevent similar situations in the future by requiring Cabinet secretaries to inform the president and Congress of any delegations of authority due to health reasons.
In addition, the incident has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in the high-stress environment of government service. Austin’s apology and expression of remorse for not handling the situation better have been seen as a positive step towards greater transparency and accountability in government.
As Austin undergoes his procedure and recovers, the Department of Defense will continue to be led by Hicks, who has a reputation for being a capable and experienced leader. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of having a strong and capable team in place to ensure continuity of leadership and national security.
