Attorney General Merrick Garland is scheduled to undergo back surgery this weekend, according to a statement from the Justice Department on Monday. As a result of the procedure, Garland will delegate his duties to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.
The back surgery will take place on Saturday and is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. It has been described as a “minimally invasive” procedure and Garland is expected to return home the same day. However, he will delegate his responsibilities to Monaco shortly before the surgery, during the procedure, and for a brief period afterward as he recovers from the anesthesia. Garland is expected to resume his duties the week of February 5.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has returned to work at the Pentagon after a recent hospitalization related to prostate cancer. Austin had undergone surgery for the cancer on December 22 and was subsequently admitted to intensive care due to extreme pain. However, he did not immediately inform the White House or his deputy about his health situation until days later.
Austin’s lack of disclosure has prompted ongoing reviews and changes in federal guidelines to ensure that the White House is promptly notified whenever a Cabinet head is unable to carry out their responsibilities. In compliance with these guidelines, the Justice Department has informed the White House of Garland’s upcoming delegation of duties.
It is worth noting that when Garland underwent a routine medical procedure in 2022, his office proactively informed the public about it a week in advance. The duration of his absence and his expected return to work were also outlined.
These recent medical developments involving Garland and Austin shine a spotlight on the importance of transparency and timely communication regarding the health status of government officials.