Review of Responsibilities and Actions Related to the Secretary of Defense’s Hospitalizations and the DoD’s Policies and Procedures for Notification and Transfer of Functions[...]

Review of Responsibilities and Actions Related to the Secretary of Defense's Hospitalizations and the DoD's Policies and Procedures for Notification and Transfer of Functions and Duties (Report No. DODIG-2025-058)

Administrative Investigations

Secretary Austin underwent a scheduled prostatectomy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) on December 22, 2023. In preparation for the medical procedure, he directed a transfer of authorities to Deputy Secretary Hicks effective December 22, 2023, and resumed those authorities on December 23, 2023. Secretary Austin experienced medical complications on January 1, 2024, and was transported to WRNMMC by ambulance and admitted to the hospital. Secretary Austin's condition worsened on January 2, 2024, and, that afternoon, his staff directed a transfer of authorities to Deputy Secretary Hicks.

On January 5, 2024, the DoD issued a press release stating that Secretary Austin had been admitted to WRNMMC on January 1, 2024, "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure." The press release stated, "At all times, the Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary, if required." Numerous media outlets reported concerns about the DoD's perceived lack of transparency regarding Secretary Austin's hospitalization. The reports included concerns about whether Secretary Austin was incapacitated or under general anesthesia while in the hospital.