Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Remains Hospitalized After Mystery Procedure; DoD Remains Mum on Release

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since the first day of 2024, and while Pentagon officials have not said when he will be released, they continue to avoid providing details about the reason for his admission to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Austin underwent an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22, 2023, but he experienced severe pain on Jan. 1 and was taken back to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has stated that Austin’s privacy and hospital space considerations are reasons for the lack of information regarding his condition. Austin resumed his duties from the hospital on Jan. 7 and has been in contact with President Biden and other senior officials. There is no specific date for his release from the hospital.