Defense Secretary Austin Transferred Into Critical Care, Transfers Duties To Deputy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was transferred into critical care on Sunday night after being admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier in the day for a bladder issue, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The news is the latest wrinkle in a health controversy that began last month over the Cabinet official’s secretive hospitalization for complications following a procedure to treat prostate cancer.

“Earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “Tonight, after a series of tests and evaluations, the Secretary was admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring.”