Lloyd Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early December. He was operated on on December 22 and then hospitalized again on January 1, but the White House was not informed until three days later.
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A hospitalization remained hidden for several days. The American Minister of Defense, Lloyd Austn, was released from the hospital on Monday January 15, after having spent two weeks there, announced the Pentagon. The minister had created controversy for initially keeping quiet about this hospitalization, including from the White House. “As I continue to recover and perform my duties from home, I look forward to making a full recovery and returning to the Pentagon as quickly as possible.”Lloyd Austin, who had received the support of President Joe Biden despite his silence, said in a statement.
The former general, aged 70, learned in early December that he was suffering from prostate cancer. He had surgery on December 22, returning home the next day, then was hospitalized again from January 1 due to complications, including nausea and severe pain. The White House was only informed on January 4 of his hospitalization, which was made public on the 5th.
The situation caused an outcry in the press and among his Republican adversaries. The White House had conceded that these secret hospitalizations were not “ideal” and some elected Democrats expressed their discomfort with the situation. Joe Biden maintained his “trust” with regard to his minister, according to his spokesperson, but the White House has ordered a review of the rules applicable in the event of the incapacity of senior officials.
