President Trump said Wednesday he has no information on the health status of former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized weeks ago after a cardiac incident.
McConnell, 84, was found unresponsive at his Washington home and received CPR before being transported to the hospital on June 14. His office has released minimal updates since the incident, stating only that he is receiving “excellent care” and “continues to improve.”
What Trump and Officials Are Saying
White House correspondent Libby Dean reported that Trump told her he hasn’t spoken with McConnell since the hospitalization and has no insight into the Kentucky senator’s current condition. The lack of communication extends beyond the White House-several Republican senators acknowledged they also lack concrete information about McConnell’s status.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier that he had spoken with McConnell, who “sounded good” and wanted to return to office. However, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah contradicted this characterization, stating that members of Congress “know nothing” about McConnell’s actual condition.
Pressure for Transparency
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, sent a letter to McConnell on Wednesday requesting “a full update” on his health status for constituents. “As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent,” Beshear wrote.
The governor emphasized that transparency about McConnell’s ability to serve was essential given his position as a U.S. senator. McConnell’s term concludes in January 2025.
Speculation and Missing Details
The limited information from McConnell’s office has fueled online speculation about the severity of his condition. Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed sources told her McConnell is in a “vegetative state,” though this claim has not been independently verified.
McConnell’s most recent office statement, released last week, said he “continues to improve” and is “working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s digital team contributed to this report.
