U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from the hospital after undergoing treatment for bladder issues as he continues to battle prostate cancer, according to a statement from the Pentagon. Austin is said to be recovering well and has resumed his full functions and duties remotely from home. The 70-year-old Secretary had kept his recent hospital stays secret from President Joe Biden and received widespread criticism for failing to promptly inform him of his cancer diagnosis. Austin’s return to work has been communicated to the White House and Congress.

According to doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Austin was admitted on Sunday due to discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery. The medical team closely monitored him and performed non-surgical procedures on February 12 to rectify the bladder issue, after which he progressed well, no longer requiring critical care.

The Pentagon emphasized that the bladder issue Austin experienced was unconnected to the cancer itself. Despite his health challenges, Austin remains a key figure in the United States’ efforts to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. He had planned to attend a meeting in Brussels regarding military assistance to Ukraine but will now participate in the virtual gathering instead. Austin’s health status also coincides with the escalating crisis in the Middle East following the attack on Israel by Hamas militants in early October 2023.

Austin, who has been praised as an apolitical official who avoids the spotlight, publicly apologized for not disclosing his hospitalizations and investigations are underway to examine the chain of command when senior officials are incapacitated. Despite concerns about his ability to continue in his role, the National Security Council spokesman assured that President Biden had no reservations about Austin’s capacity to perform his duties effectively.