"Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized for Post-Surgery Complications, Now Recovering"

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized due to complications from an elective medical procedure and has been unable to perform his duties since New Year's Day. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks is temporarily fulfilling his role. The Pentagon has not disclosed details about Austin's condition or the procedure. This comes at a time when the U.S. is involved in Middle East tensions, including a strike against an Iranian-backed militia member and attacks on American bases, as well as considering strikes against Houthi militants in response to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.