Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for symptoms “suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said Sunday.
Austin has not relinquished his authority, the Pentagon said.
The rapid notification is in contrast to the delay in notification about his previous hospitalization.
Austin was taken by his security detail to the hospital at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET Sunday, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement. At this point, Austin has not been admitted to the hospital.
Both the White House and Congress have been notified.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks would assume the duties if required.
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