Arabic version: مخاوف صحية تحيط بإقامة السيناتور ميتش مكونيل الطويلة في المستشفى
Concerns are growing about the health of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, a top Republican lawmaker who has been in hospital for over three weeks. McConnell, 84, was admitted for treatment on June 14, according to his staff. His aides have not given any details about the reason for his hospital stay, or what kind of treatment he is receiving. According to BBC News, his team said on July 2 he was “receiving excellent care” and “continues to improve.”
On Tuesday, several Republicans said they had spoken by phone to McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, countering claims made by far-right influencer Laura Loomer that he was in a “vegetative state.” Loomer alleged that McConnell was “brain dead and hooked up to machines” and criticized his wife, Elaine Chao, for visiting China during this period. Chao met with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng in Beijing on June 17, three days after McConnell was admitted to the hospital.
A spokesperson for Chao defended her trip, stating that it was a long-planned visit for philanthropic purposes and that McConnell’s health did not warrant an immediate return. Meanwhile, Republican colleagues have sought to reassure the public about McConnell’s condition, with Senate Leader John Thune’s office confirming a “lengthy and substantive conversation” between the two.
McConnell’s office has not released any update on his condition since July 2, when it said in a statement that the senator “appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital.” The senator continues to improve and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session. McConnell has faced several health scares in recent years, including a concussion from a fall and a previous hospitalization for the flu. He has announced that he will not seek re-election when his term ends in January 2027, with Republican Andy Barr set to compete against Democrat Charles Booker in the upcoming midterm election for his seat.
