The Pentagon reports that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday, following an approximately two-week stay that was entangled in controversy due to allegations of secrecy.
On January 1, Austin, age 70, was confined to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications that arose subsequent to a prostate cancer treatment procedure conducted in December.
When word got out that several high-ranking individuals, including President Joe Biden and the deputy who assumed some of his responsibilities, had been unaware of his health condition for several days, if not weeks, he encountered backlash.
Former President Donald Trump and lawmakers from both parties have demanded that Austin resign or be terminated in connection with the defense secretary’s clandestine hospital visit.
A number of investigations have been announced in the past week, including an inquiry by the inspector general of the Department of Defense, a review of Cabinet protocols by the White House, and an inquiry in the House headed by the Republicans.
Although Austin has acknowledged his accountability for the prolonged withholding of information, White House officials maintained last week that Biden has absolutely no doubt in Austin’s judgment and intends to retain the secretary for the duration of his term, despite the fact that the commander-in-chief and other leaders being unaware of the situation for such a long time was “less than ideal.”
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