Lloyd Austin was admitted to the hospital with a bladder problem

The Defense Department announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on Sunday afternoon due to a bladder issue.

At approximately 4:55 p.m. on Sunday, he delegated his responsibilities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that the White House, Joint Chiefs, and Congress were informed of this transition.

Austin was escorted by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, where he maintains access to both unclassified and classified communication systems necessary for his duties.

Both the White House and Congress were apprised of Austin's condition, as well as Deputy Defense Secretary Hicks and Gen. Charles Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As of Sunday evening, Austin remained hospitalized.