Defense secretary makes first appearance since hospitalization

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made his first appearance since a hospitalization earlier this month, meeting virtually Tuesday morning with members of a coalition that supports Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Austin hosted the 18th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a gathering of more than 50 nations committed to defending Ukraine. He was joined by Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the virtual meeting attended by global leaders.

Austin, appearing healthy and well-recovered, in his opening remarks said the group would commit to standing by Ukraine in the “fight for freedom.”

“Ukraine’s fight is important for all of our countries,” Austin said, urging the coalition to deliver more air defense systems to Kyiv. “We must not waver in our support for Ukraine.”

Austin was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 15 and worked at home afterward, attending important meetings and calls virtually.

In Tuesday’s meeting, Austin appears to be in a Pentagon office.

Austin, who has prostate cancer, has come under intense scrutiny for keeping his hospitalization and cancer diagnosis secret from President Biden and top administration officials.

Austin was hospitalized in intensive care on New Year’s Day after experiencing severe pain from a urinary tract infection, which followed a December elective procedure for cancer treatment.

The Pentagon chief did not inform Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks of the hospitalization for three days. Hicks assumed command of the Pentagon for about four days while Austin was recovering.

And Biden did not learn of his cancer diagnosis until well after the scandal erupted. The concerns about proper notification sparked a Pentagon and White House review, as well as an investigation from the Defense Department’s watchdog.

House Republicans are also investigating the incident and demanding that Austin appear for a hearing or briefing to answer questions.

Austin acknowledged transparency concerns and pledged to do better, but he and the Pentagon also insist there was never a disruption in the chain of command during his stay.