Defense

Defense secretary recovering after hospital visit

by Brad Dress - 01/05/24 5:18 PM ET

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin makes a joint statement with Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, after their meeting about Israel’s military operation in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (AP photo/ Maya Alleruzzo)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is recovering after a recent visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Pentagon said Friday.

Austin was admitted to the Washington hospital Monday evening, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Ryder said he went to the hospital for “complications following a recent elective medical procedure.”

“He is recovering well and is expecting to resume his full duties today,” Ryder said in the Friday statement. “At all times, the deputy secretary of defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the secretary, if required.”

It wasn’t immediately clear what the elective medical procedure was. Austin, 70, is a retired Army four-star general who served more than 40 years in the military.

Tags Defense Department hospital visit Lloyd Austin Lloyd Austin Pat Ryder Walter Reed