Television personality Lisa Rinna has ignited a conspiracy theory suggesting that Senator Mitch McConnell is secretly dead. Rinna, an alumna of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' shared her unsubstantiated claim on TikTok, stating, "I mean, come on, Mitch McConnell's dead. He's dead. They're keeping him alive like Weekend at Bernie's."
McConnell, 84, who served as Senate Majority Leader from 2015 to 2021, has been hospitalized for the past three weeks following a medical emergency at his Washington, D.C. home on June 14. Paramedics responded to a report of an unconscious individual who was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Despite the hospitalization, allies have offered assurances regarding McConnell's condition. GOP strategist Scott Jennings stated he spoke with the senator for nearly 20 minutes on Tuesday, discussing national security and other topics. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also reported a "lengthy and substantive" phone call with McConnell on Monday, covering national security matters. McConnell's office has not confirmed the specific reason for his hospitalization, only stating that he is receiving "excellent care" and "continues to improve."
However, speculation has intensified due to a lack of new information from McConnell's office about his condition or his potential return to work. The Republican party is currently operating with a slim majority in the Senate.
Other figures have amplified the speculation. Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer claimed an unnamed White House source told her McConnell is in a "vegetative state" or "brain dead." Independent journalist Desiréee Townsend echoed these claims, stating her sources indicated a similar situation and that she was awaiting news of life support being discontinued. Breitbart editor Matthew Boyle urged McConnell's staff to provide proof of his condition, and influencer Catturd demanded a video from the senator's hospital bed. The Hill newspaper reportedly published and then deleted an article resembling an obituary for the senator.
McConnell's eldest daughter, Porter, has deleted her X account amid the swirling speculation, though it remains unclear if this action is related to her father's health. McConnell has previously stated he does not plan to seek reelection in the upcoming midterm elections.
If McConnell were to leave office or become unable to resume his duties by August 3, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear would be required to call a special election to fill the Senate seat.