"Defense Secretary Austin Hospitalized, Deputy Assumes Duties: Pentagon"

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has transferred his duties to his deputy as he is hospitalized for treatment related to a bladder issue. This comes after criticism over the handling of his previous hospitalization for prostate cancer. The Pentagon has acknowledged failures in notifying the administration and the public about his previous hospitalization, and Austin has apologized for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis to President Biden and the public. The Office of the Secretary of Defense has completed a 30-day review of notification procedures around a transfer of responsibilities, with much of the review being classified.