Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin transported to D.C.-area hospital for 'emergent bladder issue' | 11 Feb 2024 | U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington on Sunday after suffering from symptoms of an "emergent bladder issue," the Pentagon said. The Defense Department said in a statement that the White House had been notified and Austin was retaining his duties at the head of the Pentagon. Austin, 70, has been under scrutiny regarding his decision to shield his prostate cancer diagnosis and recent hospitalization from White House and Pentagon officials, including Joe Biden.