Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 84, has been contacting Republican colleagues and allies from his hospital bed to address rumors circulating online about his health. The calls come after the discovery of 911 dispatch audio that revealed the senator was transported by ambulance from his Washington D.C. home last month after being found "unconscious."
McConnell's office stated that he is continuing his recovery and remains engaged with Senate and Kentucky matters. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) confirmed that Thune had a lengthy and substantive phone conversation with McConnell that included discussions on national security.
Similarly, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) reported a roughly 20-minute conversation with McConnell, describing the senator as "fully engaged" and eager to return to the Senate. Scott Jennings, a former adviser to McConnell and CNN contributor, also spoke with the senator for nearly 20 minutes, discussing topics such as Iran, Ukraine, and Senate history.
These outreach efforts aim to counter online speculation, including posts from right-wing commentator Laura Loomer, which alleged a "cover-up" of McConnell's health status and falsely claimed he was "brain dead."
The 911 dispatch calls, first uncovered by independent journalist Desireé Townsend, indicated that emergency medical personnel responded to McConnell's residence on June 14. The audio mentioned "CPR in progress" for a "cardiac arrest" and the dispatch of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance.
McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, was in China on a planned trip at the time of the incident, according to a spokesperson, and her presence did not necessitate an immediate return to the U.S.
McConnell, who has served as the longest-serving Senate leader, announced in February that he would not seek re-election in 2025. He previously experienced public "freeze-ups" and falls, including an incident in October 2023 that resulted in hospitalization.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Should McConnell be unable to complete his term, his replacement would be determined by a special election, as the governor of Kentucky would not have the authority to appoint a successor.