U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is recovering after a New Year’s Day visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Austin went to the Walter Reed after “complications following a recent elective medical procedure.” He did not give details about the elective procedure.
“He is recovering well and is expecting to resume his full duties today,” Ryder said. “At all times, the Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary, if required.”
Austin, 70, is a retired U.S. Army four-star general. He has been serving as the secretary of defense since Jan. 22, 2021.
