Austin returns to Pentagon after hospitalization

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday returned to the Pentagon after working from home since being released from a weeks-long hospitalization earlier this month.

Austin had been “conducting his duties from home since his release from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 15,” according to a brief Defense Department statement announcing the transition.  

The Pentagon chief started the day with an in-person meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, which Austin began by acknowledging the deaths of three U.S. service members killed by a drone strike on Sunday at the Tower 22 base in Jordan. Another two dozen troops were injured in the attack, which was close to the southeastern border with Syria.  

“Let me start with my outrage and sorrow for the deaths of three brave U.S. troops in Jordan and for the other troops who were wounded,” Austin said at the top of the meeting. “The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops.” 

He added that he was glad to be back at the Pentagon “at this important time.” 

“I feel good and [am] recovering well — but still recovering — and I appreciate all the good wishes that I have received thus far.” 

Stoltenberg, meanwhile, expressed his condolences for the troops killed and wounded in Jordan, which President Biden has blamed on “radical Iran-backed militant groups.” 

“Iran continues to destabilize the region, this includes backing terrorists who attack our ships in the Red Sea, and the U.S. is leading international efforts to end these attacks,” Stoltenberg said.

Austin first entered the hospital on Jan. 1 due to an infection stemming from a Dec. 22 surgery to treat prostate cancer, at one point being admitted to the intensive care unit. 

The incident caused an uproar in Congress after lawmakers learned the White House and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks were not notified of his hospitalization until Jan. 4. 

It wasn’t until Jan. 9 that Austin revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis. The cancer was found during an early December health screening, a diagnosis the White House also knew nothing about until it was announced publicly.

Austin’s lack of communication to the public and top U.S. officials has sparked a 30-day internal Pentagon review on the policies and procedures surrounding how officials are notified of a transition of authorities.

In addition, the DOD inspector general has opened an investigation into the matter and the White House launched a review of protocols for how Cabinet officials delegate authority. 

Updated: 11:30 a.m.