Lloyd Austin first went into hospital on 22 December – Pentagon

The hospitalisation of US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin was kept secret even from his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, officials say. Photograph: Office Of The Secretary Of Defense Public Affairs/Reuters

The US defence secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalisation remained secret for longer than previously known, officials disclosed on Sunday, with his deputy on a long list of people up to President Joe Biden who were in the dark for days.

The Pentagon released new details on Sunday about Austin’s continued hospitalisation, saying he had an initial medical procedure as far back as 22 December from which he went home a day later.