Calay News
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay, as announced by the Pentagon. The circumstances surrounding his hospitalization sparked controversy, given the delayed disclosure of his health condition.
Austin, who has been recovering and fulfilling his duties remotely, expressed his intentions to return swiftly to the Pentagon. In a statement, he said, “While I continue my recovery and carry out my responsibilities from home, I look forward to making a full recovery and returning to the Pentagon as soon as possible.” Despite his initial silence, President Joe Biden has shown support for Austin during this challenging period.
The Defense Secretary was hospitalized on January 1 due to complications from prostate cancer treatment. However, he did not inform the White House or Congress about his hospitalization for several days, leading to questions about transparency and communication.
On Friday, the White House clarified that Austin had been actively working from the hospital during the time when US and British forces were gearing up for an operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran—an adversary of the United States.
The delayed revelation of Austin’s hospitalization has raised concerns about the handling of critical information within the administration. As he resumes his responsibilities remotely, the Defense Secretary faces the task of rebuilding trust and ensuring open communication as he aims for a swift and complete recovery before rejoining the Pentagon.
