Washington, D.C. – Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin temporarily stepped away from his position during the holidays, turning his duties over to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks in order to undergo an elective medical procedure.

Upon returning to his duties, it has been revealed that Secretary Austin has undergone Gender Affirming care. Addressing the controversy, Austin explained: “Mills [former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley] and I were flipping through our copies of ‘Gender Queer’ trying to gain a better understanding of cis-rage, when It occurred to me that I might be living in the wrong body.” Austin stated that since that chance encounter in August of 2023, he’s been struggling with his new identity.

*Note. The staff at the Daily Deuce wish Secretary Austin a speedy recovery and good health going forward.