UPDATE: Secretary of Defense Breaks Silence About Secret Hospitalization

In his official statement, Austin claimed full responsibility for keeping his hospitalization a secret, but did not address what his ailment was or give any reasons why he failed to notify anyone – including Biden or Congress – about it.

Read his full statement here:

I want to thank the amazing doctors and nursing staff at Walter Reed for the exceptional care they have delivered to me and for the personal warmth they have shown my family. I also appreciate all the outreach and well wishes from colleagues and friends. Charlene and I are very grateful for your support.

I am very glad to be on the mend and look forward to returning to the Pentagon soon.