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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will transfer power to his deputy tonight to undergo a medical procedure. The Pentagon announces that the procedure is elective and non-surgical, addressing a previous bladder issue. Importantly, the procedure is unrelated to Austin's earlier prostate cancer diagnosis.
In a statement, the Pentagon clarifies, "Secretary Austin's medical procedure tonight is elective and not connected to his prior prostate cancer treatment. We have informed the President and Congress about this temporary transfer of duties."
This decision follows Austin's previous hospitalization in January, which he initially kept private. He later apologized for not disclosing. . .
