"Defense Secretary Austin Recovering at Home After Cancer Surgery"

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital after spending two weeks there to treat complications from surgery for prostate cancer, which he had kept secret from senior Biden administration leaders and staff for weeks. President Biden and senior administration officials were not informed about Austin's hospitalization until Jan. 4, and Austin kept the cancer diagnosis secret until Jan. 9. The lack of transparency about Austin's hospitalization has triggered administration and Defense Department reviews on notification procedures for Cabinet members. Austin's secrecy has drawn criticism from Congress members, with some calling for his resignation, but the White House has expressed confidence in his role. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been taking on some of Austin's day-to-day duties as he recovers.