U.S. Defense Secretary Austin apologizes for secret hospitalization: Failure to handle the matter properly.
Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2023. Complications occurred after undergoing surgery, resulting in hospitalization. President Biden, the White House national security team were not informed of the relevant situation at the first time. It was not until January 4, 2024 that theWhite House was informed that Austin had been hospitalized. He said the Pentagon has developed new procedures to ensure there are no notification lapses in the future.