U.S. Defense Secretary Austin's cancer goes public

For days it was unclear why US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in the hospital. Now the 70-year-old is going public with his cancer diagnosis. There has been criticism from across the parties for the prolonged uncertainty — even President Biden has not been briefed.

After days of speculation about his health, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that he had prostate cancer. The disease is diagnosed early and the prognosis for recovery is “excellent,” said the responsible clinic near the capital Washington.

The 70-year-old had been in hospital since the start of the year due to complications following surgery in late December. The admission to the hospital caused a stir as the ministry did not make it public at first.

Protected by the Pentagon Information policy

The Pentagon supported the move later in the evening. “Despite the prevalence of prostate cancer, discussions about prevention, treatment and support are often personal and private,” Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said.

It's unclear how the illness will affect Austin's performance in the office, such as his travel and other public appearances. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks is expected to resume some of her daily duties while she recovers.

Biden was not informed either

Austin has been criticized for its open information policy. President Joe Biden only learned Tuesday that a member of his cabinet was ill — a month after the diagnosis. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: “No one at the White House knew until this morning that Secretary Austin had prostate cancer.

Austin was admitted to the hospital on December 22 for cancer surgery, his doctors said. The day after the surgery, the 70-year-old went home. But on January 1, he complained of nausea and severe abdominal, pelvic and leg pain due to a urinary tract infection. That's why he came back to the hospital.

The President initially knew nothing of this background. Austin and Biden spoke by phone Saturday. The same day, the minister issued a public statement in which he admitted that he could have better informed the public about his hospitalization: “I am committed to doing better.” However, he did not say that Biden had cancer in this phone call.

The White House responds immediately

On Tuesday, the White House tightened guidelines on ministerial absences. Biden's chief of staff, Jeff Giants, told cabinet members in a message that the department's leadership should submit existing regulations if he fails by Friday. He has asked ministers to notify their office if they are unable to perform their official duties.

A Pentagon spokesman blamed a staff member's flu-like illness for the delay between hospitalization and notification to the White House.

Republicans are calling for Austin's firing

Several Republican members of Congress called for the defense secretary to be fired. Republican Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, launched an investigation into the events.

The White House said President Biden wanted to stick with Austin.

According to doctors, the cancer was discovered during a routine check-up in early December. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better chance Austin has for recovery.