Lloyd Austin in intensive care - handover of official duties. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has handed over his duties to Deputy Kathleen Hicks because of hospital treatment.
The politician, who was suffering from cancer, was admitted with symptoms that indicated an acute bladder problem. At the beginning of the year, the top politician came under criticism for keeping prostate cancer and a hospital stay as a result of complications from a procedure a secret. In the United States, it is common practice for the public to be very closely informed about the health of its top politicians.