Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen correspondent: Israeli drones are flying over the presidential palace in Baabda, Mount Lebanon, and over the skies of the capital, Beirut, and its suburbs.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli warplanes launch a series of raids on the al-Mahmoudiya and Jarmaq areas
Trump reiterates proposal for Russia and Ukraine to stop at current front line, negotiate later
Reuters: Trump says no discussion regarding Ukraine ceding Donbas to Russia
US Vice President JD Vance: There is currently no security infrastructure in place to ensure the disarmament of Hamas
Israeli occupation forces said that "ceasefire in Gaza begins to be re-implemented."
Israeli media: 'Israel' to halt entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza until further notice.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: One woman was killed and several children were injured as a result of Israeli bombing of displaced Gazans' tents in the Mawasi area of ​​Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.
Al Mayadeen correspondent in Gaza: An Israeli airstrike targeted the eastern areas of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip.
Al Mayadeen correspondent in Gaza: An Israeli airstrike targeted Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Austin to testify on secret hospitalization before lawmakers

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 29 Feb 2024 08:16
3 Min Read

The US Defense Secretary is slated to appear before lawmakers at the US Capitol on Thursday to discuss his undisclosed hospitalization last month for prostate cancer treatment.

  • x
  • Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin makes a statement in “Tel Aviv” on 18, 2023. (AP)
    Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a statement in “Tel Aviv” on 18, 2023. (AP)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to testify before lawmakers, on Thursday, at the US Capitol regarding his undisclosed hospitalization last month for prostate cancer treatment. The unexpected nature of his medical condition surprised the entire US government, including President Joe Biden.

Austin is scheduled to testify before the House Armed Services Committee at 10:00 am (Local Time), addressing the situation related to his delayed communication about his recent hospitalization and its impact on the US president.
 
Initially admitted to the hospital on January 1 due to complications arising from a December surgical procedure for prostate cancer treatment, Austin's hospitalization details were not promptly conveyed to the White House by the Defense Department. This led to an investigation by the Pentagon Inspector General.
 
Earlier this month, Austin faced another brief hospitalization for monitoring related to a bladder issue. Lawmakers from both parties criticized him for not promptly informing them and the Biden administration about his hospitalization, leading to bipartisan calls for his resignation. In response to the public outcry, Austin held a press conference, expressing regret for the delay in notifying President Joe Biden and others. He mentioned feeling embarrassed to disclose his prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Biden administration expressed continued confidence in Austin's role as Defense Secretary despite the situation. Nonetheless, lawmakers raised concerns about the possible national security implications of Austin's delayed communication.

US defense chief Lloyd Austin released from hospital: Pentagon 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital on February 13, after undergoing treatment under general anesthetic for bladder issues as he suffers from prostate cancer, the Pentagon confirmed.

Related News

Oil markets search for a boost as Brent Crude holds at $60

Iran Leader derides Trump over claim of destroying nuclear industry

On February 12, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder announced that Austin had transferred his duties to his deputy hours after he was taken to hospital for "an emergent bladder issue."

"He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties today at 5:00 pm (2200 GMT)... Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week," the Defense chief's office said in a statement on Tuesday.

At the time, the White House and Congress have been notified of his return to work, the Pentagon said.

Austin had been scheduled to attend a meeting in Brussels of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group of nations coordinating military assistance, but the Pentagon canceled those plans and announced the meeting would instead be virtual.

The announcement came weeks after it emerged that Austin, 70, had kept previous hospital stays secret and had not immediately informed US President Joe Biden of his cancer diagnosis, sparking criticism as the United States faces crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Austin effectively vanished from the public eye for treatment for prostate cancer in December and again in January after suffering complications from the procedure.

Simultaneously, the administration has launched investigations into how the chain of command operates when senior officials are incapacitated.

  • United States
  • Lloyd Austin
  • US lawmakers
  • US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Yemeni Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari , during a ceremony in an undisclosed locations in Yemen, undate (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemeni Armed Forces mourn martyred Chief of Staff al-Ghamari

  • Politics
  • 16 Oct 2025
Israeli occupation violates Gaza ceasefire, killing seven Palestinians.

Israeli occupation violates Gaza ceasefire, kills seven Palestinians

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Zionists Fundamentally Misread Iran Due To Their Own Echo Chambers

Zionists fundamentally misread Iran due to their own echo chambers

  • Analysis
  • 15 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
UK blocks release of documents on secretive Lammy-Sa’ar meeting.
Politics

UK blocks release of documents on secret Lammy-Sa’ar meeting

Colombia slams Trump’s drug accusation, defends sovereignty
Politics

Colombia slams Trump’s incendiary drug claims, defends sovereignty

The abuse was detailed in Giuffre's memoir "Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice." (AP)
Politics

Epstein victim recounts choking, sexual assault by 'well-known PM'

The US Secret Service discovered a hunting stand near the airport President Donald Trump uses in Florida. (US Secret Service)
Politics

FBI probes hunting stand with sightline to Trump’s Air Force One exit

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS