Lloyd Austin first went into hospital on 22 December – Pentagon

US defence secretary's deputy, Kathleen Hicks, took over thinking Austin was on vacation when he was in intensive care - unknown to even the president

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.