In an unexpected turn of events, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled his scheduled trip to attend NATO meetings in Brussels this week due to a hospitalization stemming from emergent bladder issues. Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday, prompting the Pentagon to rearrange his commitments.
The Pentagon confirmed that Austin, a 70-year-old retired general, has been receiving treatment for prostate cancer recently. The urgency of his hospitalization resulted in admission to the critical care unit, raising concerns about his health.
While the Pentagon has not provided specific details regarding the nature of Austin’s emergent bladder issues, it was stated that meetings related to Ukraine, a critical topic of discussion at NATO, will proceed virtually. This development adds an element of uncertainty to diplomatic discussions at a time when international attention is focused on the conflict in Ukraine.
The cancellation of Austin’s trip highlights the challenges posed by unexpected health issues among high-ranking officials and underscores the potential impact on diplomatic engagements, particularly during critical junctures like the ongoing situation in Eastern Europe.
Major General Pat Ryder told reporters Austin transferred his powers to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The 70-year-old retired general has been treated recently for prostate cancer and was admitted to the critical care unit. Austin will not travel to Brussels for a meeting on Ukraine aid this week. It’s not clear how long Austin will remain hospitalized.
