Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faces calls to resign after he's hospitalized for 'emergent bladder issue'

WASHINGTON, DC: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to a critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday evening, February 11, following a hospitalization earlier in the day due to a bladder issue, according to top doctors at the medical facility.

The decision to transfer Secretary Austin to the critical care unit came after undergoing tests and evaluations for the 'emergent bladder issue' that led to his hospitalization earlier that day, as stated by medical authorities in a released statement.

Health complications and transfer of duties

Austin, who assumed the position of Defense Secretary under President Joe Biden, delegated his responsibilities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks at approximately 4:55 pm on Sunday. This transition of duties was communicated to the White House, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Congress, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder confirmed.

Upon his admission to Walter Reed in Washington, Austin's security detail ensured that he retained access to both 'unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties,' Ryder further noted. Medical experts at Walter Reed said that it is currently uncertain how long Secretary Austin will remain hospitalized.

This recent hospitalization follows a prior medical procedure in December, where Austin underwent minimally invasive surgery for prostate cancer. Complications from the procedure resulted in a bladder infection and abdominal issues, necessitating a subsequent hospitalization.

Despite these challenges, medical authorities remain optimistic about Austin's overall health, asserting that the current bladder issue is not anticipated to impede his anticipated full recovery.

"The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery," Walter Reed trauma director Dr John Maddox and prostate disease research director Dr. Gregory Chesnut said in the statement, adding, "His cancer prognosis remains excellent."

Transparency and accountability

However, the lack of transparency surrounding Austin's health status has drawn criticism, both from political opponents and the public. The delayed disclosure of his hospitalization to President Biden and other senior officials raised concerns about accountability and transparency within the administration, CNN reported.

In response to mounting criticism, Secretary Austin publicly apologized for the delay in informing the White House about his health condition.

“I’ve learned from this experience that taking this kind of job means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect,” Austin said at a press conference on February 1. “The American people have a right to know if their leaders are facing health challenges that might affect their ability to perform their duties, even temporarily.”

“We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right. I should have 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,” he added.

The Pentagon conducted a 30-day review of notification procedures regarding the transfer of responsibilities, with the findings currently under Austin's review. While much of the review remains classified, the Pentagon has committed to releasing as much information as possible to the public.

Despite his recent health challenges, Austin is scheduled to attend a meeting this week of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, Belgium, marking his first overseas trip since his initial hospitalization, CBS News reported.

Calls for resignation

The embattled defense secretary faced calls to resign following his latest hospitalization.

"Time for him to resign. You can’t be sick and also be Defense Secretary," one posted on X.

"Lloyd Austin must be removed from duty. His health is putting our national security at risk. Resign or relieve him now!" another fumed.

"Well, at least he let someone know," a comment read.

"The adversaries see the vulnerability issues and weakness in the Pentagon," someone else offered.

"He should step down and do the right thing for his health and the country," another insisted.