U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin publicly apologized on Thursday for concealing his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalization, which sparked controversy in the country. He stated at a press conference, "I want to be very clear: we did not handle this properly. I did not handle this properly." He also added, "I should have informed the President about my cancer diagnosis. I should have told my team and the American people, and I take full responsibility for that. I apologize to my colleagues and the American people."
However, he confirmed, "I want to make it absolutely clear that there was no vacancy in authority and no risk to the leadership of the department and its oversight." The Secretary of Defense reassured the public regarding his treatment path. Commenting on his somewhat unsteady gait, he told reporters, "I am recovering well but, as you can see, I am still recovering," adding, "I still feel some pain in my leg," explaining that he is undergoing physical therapy.
