Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense, has been released from the hospital after a two-week stay to treat complications from surgery for prostate cancer, which he had kept secret from senior Biden administration leaders and staff for several weeks. The 70-year-old was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22 and underwent surgery to treat the cancer. He developed an infection a week later and was admitted to intensive care on January 1, where he remained to receive treatment for ongoing leg pain.

Despite his hospitalization, Austin continued to work from his hospital bed and even made crucial decisions, including overseeing a series of military strikes targeting the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen last week. The lack of transparency regarding his hospitalization and cancer diagnosis has sparked discussions and reviews within the Biden administration and the Defense Department on the procedures for notifying the White House and others if a Cabinet member must transfer decision-making authorities to a deputy.

President Joe Biden was not informed of Austin's hospitalization until January 4, and Austin only disclosed his cancer diagnosis in a statement on January 9. This led to criticism from members of Congress and calls for Austin to resign, but the White House has expressed support for the Pentagon chief. It is still uncertain when Austin will return to his office at the Pentagon or how his cancer treatment will affect his job and other public engagements. As he continues to recover, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been taking on some of his day-to-day duties. Despite the challenges ahead, Austin has expressed hope for a full recovery and a swift return to his role at the Pentagon.