First Public Appearance of U.S. Defense Secretary Since Hospitalization

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin appeared publicly today, Tuesday, for the first time since his secret hospitalization, participating virtually from his home in a meeting discussing military needs for Ukraine. Austin was seen in a live broadcast for a few minutes delivering opening remarks. He was seated against a white wall, with a security system keyboard seemingly on his left, and the Department of Defense logo on his right, alongside a small flag of the United States and Ukraine placed atop a printer next to him. There was a brief interruption in the live broadcast, but Austin did not comment on his health condition and instead called for additional air defense systems for Ukraine. He is not expected to participate in a joint press conference with senior U.S. generals after the meeting, which has become customary following such gatherings. Austin, who is 70 years old, entered the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland on December 22 for treatment of prostate cancer. He returned to the hospital on January 1 due to complications that included a urinary tract infection. His hospitalization was not disclosed until four days later, and the Pentagon did not specify the reason for his hospitalization until January 9. Austin's failure to inform President Joe Biden of his hospitalization drew criticism from lawmakers and surprised the White House.