US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whose many hospitalizations that were kept secret have caused reactions, was transferred to the intensive care unit after he was readmitted to the hospital on Sunday for “an urgent bladder problem,” the Pentagon announced.

“This evening, following a series of diagnostic tests and evaluations, the Secretary was transferred to Walter Reed National Military Hospital’s intensive care unit to receive supportive care and be closely monitored,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

Earlier yesterday, Sunday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder had stated that as of 17:00 (local time, 00:00 Greek time) Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed the duties of the minister.

A few hours earlier the Pentagon had announced that Austin “was admitted to the hospital with classified and non-classified communication systems necessary” for the performance of his duties.

Austin, who recently underwent surgery for prostate cancer, was admitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital in suburban Washington for an “urgent bladder problem,” Ryder said, adding that the secretary was still receiving treatment and that the White House and Congress had been briefed.

During a press conference on February 1 the 70-year-old defense minister apologized for keeping his cancer a secreta case that had caused reactions across the country.

In the midst of an election year and as the US closely monitors two major conflicts, in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, Austin underwent surgery and was hospitalized twice in December and January without President Joe Biden’s knowledge.

“It was a mistake”, the minister admitted at that press conference. “I should have informed the president that I was diagnosed with cancer. I should also have told my team and the American citizens and I take full responsibility. I apologize to my colleagues and the American citizens,” he added.

However, Austin had emphasized that “there was no power vacuum and no danger to the command and control of the ministry.”

He had even underlined that he apologized “directly” to Biden, who reacted “politely”, while he is scheduled to testify before Congress on the matter on February 29.

It is not clear how long the minister will be hospitalized this time, although hospital officials have clarified that the prognosis for his cancer remains excellent and that the bladder problem is not expected to affect his full recovery. .

Disruption and calls for resignation

The case had caused an uproar among the Democrats, while Republicans had called for Austin’s resignation.

This time the ministry informed about his new hospitalization in time: the media received a notification about two hours after his admission.

The controversy over the health minister’s health problems has erupted as US forces in Iraq and Syria regularly come under attack by pro-Iranian militants, according to Washington.

The defense secretary is also playing a key role in the Biden administration’s efforts to maintain Washington’s support for Ukraine as Republicans refuse to approve new military aid to Kiev.

Many Republican lawmakers have called for his impeachment, but Biden has said he still trusts him.