Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, has returned home after more than 50 days of hospitalization and rehabilitation following a fall. McConnell announced his discharge from the rehabilitation center, stating he would "continue my recovery at home" on the advice of his doctors, who recommended an intensive physical therapy regimen.
The fall occurred at his Washington, D.C. residence on June 14, which left him briefly unconscious and required paramedics to transport him to the hospital. His office released a statement and a photograph on July 12, confirming the hospitalization was due to a fall, not a heart attack, and that doctors were addressing mobility issues related to a childhood case of polio.
The Kentucky Republican has not been seen in public or released a video since the incident. His wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, was on a planned trip to China when the senator was hospitalized. She departed on June 12, two days before McConnell's fall. Although she did not immediately return to the U.S., a spokesperson stated the trip was pre-planned and the senator's health did not necessitate an immediate return.
Following weeks of questions surrounding his condition, McConnell's office released a photo on July 12 showing him recovering in a chair, smiling and holding a newspaper. The image was accompanied by a statement from his team.
Several Republican allies, including Senators John Thune and John Barrasso, and strategist Scott Jennings, reported speaking with McConnell by phone in early July. They described him as engaged and discussing Senate business, national security, and foreign policy.
However, some Republicans called for greater transparency regarding McConnell's health. Senator Tommy Tuberville suggested McConnell should make a public appearance or release a video to demonstrate his recovery, noting he had received limited information about the senator's condition. Representative Thomas Massie also questioned public accounts, jokingly mimicking reports of phone calls by listing similar discussion topics.
Senator Ron Johnson raised broader concerns about transparency in the health of elected officials, arguing that voters deserve more information. McConnell has not recorded a Senate vote since June 11, missing 47 roll call votes as of the latest reports, though he has remotely cosponsored some legislation.
McConnell thanked his wife, Elaine, and the medical professionals who cared for him during his hospitalization and rehabilitation.