US Defense Secretary hospitalized again, must cancel trip to Europe for NATO meeting

Austin, 71, was taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on February 11 for “symptoms possibly related to an urgent bladder problem.” The hospital announced on February 12 that the Pentagon chief had undergone nonsurgical procedures under general anesthesia to address the bladder problem.

"Secretary Austin will not be traveling to Brussels this week as originally planned," Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said at a press briefing on February 12, according to Reuters.

Mr. Austin on January 29

Mr Austin failed to disclose prostate cancer surgery in December 2023 and a subsequent hospitalization in January to deal with post-surgical complications. The incident has roiled US politics, drawn criticism from President Joe Biden and led to investigations.

The Pentagon has not said whether Mr. Austin's latest bladder problem is another complication from that prostate surgery, but the hospital is optimistic about the outcome of his cancer treatment.

Mr. Austin was due to travel to Brussels (the Belgian capital) to attend a meeting of NATO defense ministers on February 15, as well as attend another meeting with allies on February 14 to discuss how to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia in the ongoing conflict.

The Pentagon said the conference on Ukraine's defense needs, called the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), will be held online.

"While Secretary Austin currently intends to participate in the UDCG virtually, he will be flexible based on his health status," said spokesperson Ryder.

It is unclear when Mr. Austin will be discharged, but he has handed over his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. Walter Reed Hospital said Mr. Austin is expected to resume his normal duties on February 13.

"The hospital stay is not expected to be lengthy," the hospital said in a statement.

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