Pentagon chief in critical care unit, transfers power to deputy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted into the critical care unit for a bladder issue Sunday night after transferring his duties to the deputy Defense secretary earlier Sunday, Walter Reed Military Medical Center officials announced.

Austin, 70, underwent a series of tests and evaluations Sunday night at Walter Reed after showing symptoms “suggesting an emergent bladder issue” earlier in the day, the hospital’s doctors said in a statement. He was later admitted into the critical care unit for “supportive care and close monitoring,” doctors added.

In a subsequent update on Monday, doctors confirmed Austin underwent non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia to address his bladder issue. Doctors said they anticipated a full recovery and will closely monitor him overnight.

Austin is not expected to have a prolonged stay at the Bethesda, Md. hospital. He is expected to resume his normal duties on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated.