Defense Secretary Austin released from hospital following prostate cancer surgery

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released Monday from Walter Reed military hospital on Monday after being admitted Jan. 1 for complications from prostate cancer surgery. 

"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the U.S. military said in a statement. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."

Austin said he was eager to return to work following the surgery. 

"I’m grateful for the excellent care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and want to thank the outstanding doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism and superb support," he said in a statement, according to NBC News.

Austin was reportedly diagnosed with the cancer in early-December 2023, had the surgery Dec. 22, started having severe pain as a result and returned Jan. 1 to Walter Reed, where he also was diagnosed with a related urinary tract infection infection. However, he did not tell President Biden until Jan. 5.