Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, , Remains Hospitalized.<br />The U.S. Secretary of Defense was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1, Fox News reports. .<br />The U.S. Secretary of Defense was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1, Fox News reports. .<br />According to Pentagon press secretary <br />Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin underwent an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22.<br />According to Pentagon press secretary <br />Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin underwent an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22.<br />He was discharged the following day but was in "severe pain" on Jan. 1, at which point he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). .<br />He was discharged the following day but was in "severe pain" on Jan. 1, at which point he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). .<br />Austin is recovering and resumed work duties from Walter Reed on Jan. 5, Ryder said.<br />Since resuming his duties on Friday <br />evening, the Secretary has received <br />operational updates and has provided <br />necessary guidance to his team, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, via statement.<br />He has full access to required <br />communications capabilities and <br />continues to monitor DoD’s <br />day-to-day operations worldwide, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, via statement.<br />Ryder refused to elaborate on Austin's condition <br />due to privacy reasons, Fox News reports. .<br />It is not yet known when Austin <br />will be released from the hospital.<br />Ryder was also unable to confirm <br />whether Austin will be able to conduct <br />press briefings in person this week. .<br />Ryder was also unable to confirm <br />whether Austin will be able to conduct <br />press briefings in person this week.
