Sen. Ron Johnson raised questions Monday about whether a hospital photograph released by Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office was taken during his current hospitalization.
Johnson said a source told him the image may have been taken before McConnell’s June 14 admission to a Washington-area hospital. McConnell’s office has not responded to the claim, and there is no independent evidence supporting the assertion.
What Johnson Said
“I just heard from some other source that was an older photo, so I really don’t know,” Johnson told reporters Monday. He stressed he could not verify the information and had not discussed the matter directly with McConnell.
Johnson added that despite past political disagreements with the Kentucky senator, he wished him a full recovery. “I’ve served with Mitch McConnell for 16 years. Obviously, I’ve disagreed with him on a host of things, but I also know he loves this country,” Johnson said.
McConnell’s Health Update
The photograph was released alongside McConnell’s first detailed health update since his hospitalization. His office said he did not suffer a heart attack, stroke, or broken bones.
Doctors diagnosed McConnell with mild pneumonia, and his office stated he was continuing to recover. The image accompanied a statement from McConnell and showed him with his wife, Elaine Chao.
Calls for Transparency
The photo release came after weeks of growing public concern about the 84-year-old senator’s condition. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and several Republican lawmakers had urged McConnell’s office to provide more information about his health.
Johnson’s comments are likely to intensify questions about the senator’s condition and the transparency of his office’s communications. McConnell’s office has indicated the photograph is a current image released with his health update.
This story has been updated. CNN’s health and politics team contributed to this report.
