US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized for re-examination after health concerns emerged. The information came from a statement issued by Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder, via TASS.
Austin was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for assessment, according to officials, after showing symptoms that suggested bladder issues.
Ryder indicated that the hospitalization was communicated to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces General Charles Brown, the White House, and members of Congress.
The Pentagon spokesperson stressed that Austin remains on duty and continues to carry out his official responsibilities. He did not rule out the possibility that Hicks could assume the role of acting defense secretary if necessary.
Earlier reports indicated that Austin would attend a House hearing on February 29 to address questions about his January hospitalization and why the information had not been disclosed sooner.
Another unrelated note mentioned that former President Trump drew a comparison between himself and Al Capone in a different context.