Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided an update on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s health status on May 24, 2024.
"Tonight, at approximately 6 p.m. ET, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underwent a successful, elective, and minimally invasive follow-up non-surgical procedure related to his bladder issue at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center," stated Ryder. The procedure lasted approximately 2.5 hours.
During the period of the procedure, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks assumed the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense and served as Acting Secretary of Defense.
"Secretary Austin subsequently resumed his functions and duties as the Secretary of Defense at 8:25 p.m. ET and has returned home," Ryder continued.
No changes in Austin's official schedule are anticipated at this time, including his participation in scheduled Memorial Day events.
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