U.S. Defense Secretary in Critical Condition and Transferring Duties

CBS News reported on Monday evening that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in intensive care after being hospitalized due to a "bladder emergency." Austin was transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday afternoon following symptoms of a "bladder emergency," according to the Pentagon. Since then, he has transferred his duties to his deputy. In a statement, Walter Reed officials stated that Austin was admitted to the ICU after a series of tests and evaluations. The statement from Walter Reed said, "At this time, it is unclear how long Secretary Austin will remain in the hospital. It is not expected that the current bladder issue will alter his anticipated full recovery. His cancer diagnosis remains excellent. Updates on the Secretary's condition will be provided as soon as possible." Initially, Ryder reported that Austin would retain his duties as Secretary of Defense while hospitalized. However, Ryder stated on Sunday evening that Austin has "transferred office duties and responsibilities" to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The initial statement noted that Hicks, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress had been informed. A White House official confirmed that the Secretary of Defense's office notified the White House and the National Security Council of Austin's hospitalization. The official directed further questions regarding Austin's health to the Pentagon. Austin was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group this week in Brussels, Belgium, which would have been his first foreign trip since his initial hospitalization. A defense official stated on Monday that Austin will no longer travel to Brussels and that the meeting will be held virtually.