"Bladder problem"

US Secretary of Defense in hospital again

The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin(Bild: AP)

Just under two weeks after his controversial secret hospitalization, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was taken to hospital again on Sunday. He was being treated for "symptoms suggestive of an emerging bladder problem", a Pentagon spokesman announced. A short time later, it was reported that Austin had been transferred to the intensive care unit.

It was not yet possible to say how long the hospital stay would last. The 70-year-old's official duties will be carried out by his deputy Kathleen Hicks until further notice. Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and underwent surgery.

After a minor operation on December 22, Austin initially returned home. Due to complications, he was admitted to Walter Reed Hospital on January 1. However, the White House was only informed on January 4 and Congress a day later. US President Biden only learned of the cancer diagnosis on January 9. The White House and the Pentagon launched internal investigations into the case.

After tests and examinations, 70-year-old Austin was transferred to the intensive care unit.(Bild: AP)

Biden continues to trust Austin
Austin returned to his job at the Pentagon on January 29. Shortly before this, two doctors had declared following a follow-up examination that his cancer had been "treated early and effectively". Austin's prognosis is "excellent". It is not expected that the current bladder problem will change his expected full recovery.

After the illness became known, Republican MPs called for the Pentagon chief to be dismissed. Although Democrat Biden criticized a lack of communication, he declared that he still had confidence in his defence secretary.