Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has asserted that Senator Mitch McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, is a "Chinese communist spy," alleging she traveled to China days after McConnell was hospitalized following an incident where he reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and was revived with CPR.
Greene made these claims during a public statement, questioning why Chao would leave her husband's side during a critical health event to travel to China. Photographs circulated in Chinese media appear to show Chao meeting with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing approximately 72 hours after McConnell's hospitalization.
"His wife flew to China and met with the vice president of China just days after he basically died, and they brought him back with CPR and took him to the hospital," Greene stated. She further questioned the timing, asking, "What woman leaves her husband's side while he is dead or dying in the hospital, flies to China and meets with the vice president?"
Greene also criticized Republican leaders for their perceived silence regarding McConnell's health, urging the party to address what she described as Chinese influence, particularly in the context of the upcoming election season. "When are we going to call out a possible Communist Chinese spy?" she asked.
McConnell's office stated that the senator appreciates the support he is receiving and is continuing his recovery. According to their offices, McConnell has engaged in conversations with Senate Republican leaders, including Senators John Thune and John Barrasso, discussing key legislative matters such as Senate races, the National Defense Authorization Act, and the confirmation of Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence. CNN's Scott Jennings also reported speaking with McConnell for nearly 20 minutes about various national and international issues.
Greene expressed the view that elected officials experiencing declining health should not remain in office. She suggested that Washington should be calling for McConnell's family to announce his resignation. Greene also indicated a preference for Representative Thomas Massie to succeed McConnell should a Senate seat from Kentucky become vacant, stating, "There needs to be a new election in Kentucky where there can be a functioning senator."
In the event of McConnell's resignation, Kentucky's governor would appoint an interim replacement from a list of three candidates provided by the Kentucky Republican Party. A permanent replacement would then be elected during the next regularly scheduled statewide election. However, the U.S. Constitution does not currently provide a mechanism for removing or replacing a senator solely due to medical incapacity if they do not resign, die, or face expulsion by the Senate.