Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will answer questions during a press conference at the Pentagon on Thursday, fresh off a monthslong absence after a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1 for a severe infection after surgery for prostate cancer a few days before Christmas. Austin spent four days in intensive care before he was released on Jan. 15. Austin faced controversy over delaying communications about his diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalization to the public, members of his own staff, Congress, and the White House.