US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from the Walter Reed military hospital after more than two weeks.

In a statement released by the Pentagon on Monday (January 15), Austin thanked the doctors and nursing staff who attended to him "for their professionalism and superb support."

"Now, as I continue to recuperate and perform my duties from home, I'm eager to fully recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon," he added.

Read Also: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized; Pentagon Faces Backlash for Keeping Incident Secret for 5 Days

SecDef Austin Released from Hospital After Prostate Cancer Surgery
(Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Austin Under Fire for Not Immediately Telling White House

Austin has been hospitalized since January 1 after suffering complications resulting from previous treatment for prostate cancer. It was previously reported that he and his staff did not immediately inform the White House, top national security officials, and even some high-ranking Pentagon officials of his medical condition and hospitalization.

Meanwhile, Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut - two Walter Reed doctors attending Austin - told reporters that the secretary has "progressed well " and that his strength is "rebounding."

"He was discharged home with planned physical therapy and regular follow up," the doctors said in a statement. "The Secretary is expected to make a full recovery."

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