Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon for a bladder issue, the Defense Department said in a statement. Considering Gold for Retirement? Here’s What to Understand First. He transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks at about 4:55 p.m. Sunday, and all notifications were made. He retains the “unclassified … Continue reading Def. Sec. Austin Turns His Duties Over to His Deputy