"Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized Due to Post-Surgery Complications"

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since January 1 due to complications from a minor elective procedure. The Pentagon did not initially disclose his hospitalization, which has drawn criticism from the Pentagon Press Association amid concerns about transparency and national security. Austin is expected to resume full duties soon, and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was prepared to step in if necessary. Austin's hospitalization comes at a time when the U.S. is involved in significant military and security operations in the Middle East and Ukraine.