President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has no information about the health status of former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell following the Kentucky Republican’s recent hospitalization.
McConnell, 84, was found unconscious at his Washington home weeks ago and required CPR, according to initial reports. His office has released limited updates on his condition since his June 14 hospitalization, saying only that he is receiving “excellent care” and “continues to improve.”
What Trump Said
“President Trump says he has ‘no idea’ how Sen. Mitch McConnell is doing and says he hasn’t spoken with the Kentucky Republican since McConnell’s hospitalization,” Libby Dean, White House correspondent for NewsNation, reported on Wednesday.
Trump’s statement reflects a broader information gap surrounding McConnell’s medical status, even among top Republican officials.
Calls for Transparency
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, sent a letter to McConnell on Wednesday requesting a full health update. “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. “I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve.”
Beshear’s letter marked an escalation in public pressure for McConnell to disclose his medical condition.
Conflicting Information
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on June 15 that he had spoken with McConnell and that he “sounded good.” Thune stated, “He wants to be back, but I’ll defer to his staff on when.”
However, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah contradicted that account, saying Monday that even members of Congress lack information about McConnell’s condition. “Many of us aren’t speaking about Mitch McConnell’s condition because we know nothing about his condition,” Lee posted on social media.
Speculation and Uncertainty
The lack of official updates has fueled widespread speculation about the extent of McConnell’s health crisis and whether he can fulfill his Senate duties before his term ends in January.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed recently that sources told her McConnell is in a “vegetative state,” though this claim has not been independently verified.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital staff contributed to this report.
