White House: No one knew Austin had prostate cancer
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (AFP archive)
Dubai – Al Arabiya.net
Published on: January 10, 2024: 00:42 GST Last updated: January 10, 2024: 06:59 GST
After being criticized for delaying several days before informing the White House of his hospitalization, the White House revealed today, Tuesday, that no one knew that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had prostate cancer until yesterday, Tuesday 9 January.
The Pentagon announced today, Tuesday, that the American minister is being treated for prostate cancer, underlining that “his infection was discovered early and his prognosis was excellent”, according to what the doctors reported in a note from Ministry of Defence.
He discovered his illness in early December 2023
They also added that Austin was transferred on December 22 to Walter Reed Hospital and underwent surgery under general anesthesia aimed at removing the prostate, explaining that the defense minister “recovered from the operation without problems and returned home the next morning”.
But he was transferred back to hospital on January 1 due to complications from the December 22 operation, “including nausea and severe pain in his abdomen, hip and leg.”
The same source added that he was transferred to the intensive care unit on January 2, “with the aim of closely monitoring his condition. During this period, Minister Austin did not lose consciousness and was not subjected to general anesthesia “.
Contrary to protocol
But Austin’s transfer to hospital on January 1 was only announced by the Ministry of Defense on Friday evening, contrary to protocol.
Media reported that the White House was notified of Austin’s hospitalization only four days after the incident.
President Joe Biden’s spokeswoman said Monday that he has “full confidence” in the Defense Secretary despite this issue.
But many of Biden’s Republican opponents, led by his potential rival in the next presidential election, Donald Trump, have called for Austin’s resignation.
Many observers believe the case shows that the president of the United States lacked authority and competence.
Read also
2024-01-09 20:42:00
#knew #Austin #prostate #cancer