The White House is also conducting a review of each of the Cabinet agencies’ protocols in the event that someone needs to take over authority

Following the defence secretary’s previously undisclosed absence, the White House issued a new set of procedures to Cabinet members if their duties can’t be performed.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalisation arose from complications of a procedure for prostate cancer, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday.

Hours earlier, the White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients told Cabinet secretaries in a memo, obtained by the Associated Press, that if the Cabinet members need to re-delegate authority, they must notify his office and Offices of Cabinet Affairs and White House Chief of Staff.

Mr Zients added that the White House will be “conducting a review of agency protocols for a delegation of authority.” Each department is required to submit its current protocols by Friday 12 January to the Office of Cabinet Affairs, the memo added.