The Pentagon press secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, announced on Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since Monday. This was the first official acknowledgement of Austin’s admission, which was due to complications from a minor elective medical procedure.

On Friday, Ryder stated that it is uncertain when Austin will be discharged from the hospital. However, he mentioned that the secretary is making a good recovery and he anticipates him to return to his regular responsibilities on Friday.

The Pentagon’s decision not to announce Austin’s hospitalization goes against the usual protocol for other high-ranking U.S. and Cabinet officials, including the president. The Pentagon Press Association, which advocates for journalists covering the Defense Department, wrote a letter of objection to Ryder and Chris Meagher, the assistant defense secretary for public affairs.

“The PPA expressed outrage that the public was only notified about the four-day stay of the top defense leader at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on a Friday evening. This is concerning considering the current threats to U.S. military members in the Middle East and the country’s involvement in key national security matters in Israel and Ukraine. It is crucial for the American public to have information about the health and decision-making capabilities of their top defense leader.”

Iranian-supported militant groups have continuously utilized unmanned aerial vehicles, projectiles, and explosive devices to attack military facilities housing American soldiers in Iraq and Syria. As a result, the Biden administration has retaliated on multiple occasions. These retaliatory actions often require careful deliberation and involvement from top military officials, including Austin.

The United States is leading a new global maritime coalition that will use ships and other resources to monitor the southern Red Sea and prevent ongoing attacks on commercial ships by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Furthermore, the current administration under President Biden, specifically Secretary of Defense Austin, has been leading the charge in providing weapons and training to Ukraine. He has also been in regular communication with Israel regarding their conflict with Hamas.

Ryder stated that the situation has been constantly changing and, in consideration of privacy and medical matters, the department did not disclose Austin’s absence to the public. He refused to disclose any further information regarding Austin’s medical procedure or condition.

According to a statement from Ryder, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was always ready to act on behalf of the Secretary and use their powers if necessary.

Austin, who is 70 years old, served in the military for 41 years and retired in 2016 as a four-star Army general.