Austin expected to return to duty 'tomorrow': Walter Reed

Doctors expect Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to be able to resume his duties on Tuesday, following a Sunday hospitalization for a bladder issue.

He has since transferred his authority to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. Austin was initially hospitalized in January due to complications from a prior surgery. Both hospitalizations saw him seek care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underwent non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia to address his bladder issue. We anticipate a successful recovery and will closely monitor him overnight," said Drs. John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut in a statement. "A prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated. We anticipate the Secretary will be able to resume his normal duties tomorrow. The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent."

While still the hospital, Austin cancelled a planned trip to Europe to meet with NATO leaders in Brussels amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.