McConnell released a photo of himself and his wife along with a statement on Sunday.Image: Office of Mitch McConnell
Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital in mid-June. Now the US senator has spoken publicly again for the first time.
Jul 13, 2026, 2:02 amJuly 13, 2026, 02:12
The rumor mill surrounding Mitch McConnell has been running hot in recent weeks. After the U.S. senator from Kentucky was hospitalized in mid-June, there was speculation about his health for weeks.
Now the 84-year-old has spoken publicly again for the first time. In a statement he said that he was suffering from “mild pneumonia” after a fall and would not be returning to the US Senate for the time being. With McConnell absent, Republicans currently only have a 52-47 majority in the Senate.
“I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I have no tumors or bleeding. However, I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital,” the statement said.
McConnell said he underwent every investigation to find out what caused the incident. He is now in a rehabilitation center and is working on regaining his strength.
However, this process takes time: “On the advice of my doctors, I will not be able to return to the Senate chamber to take part in votes anytime soon.” In the meantime, he continues to work on current issues and is in contact with his Senate colleagues.
It is the first time since his admission that McConnell has revealed details about his health. His office had repeatedly published up-to-date information, but no details about the reasons for the hospital stay. This sparked a flood of speculation.
MAGA influencers fueled speculation
Among other things, various MAGA influencers such as Laura Loomer, who wrote on X that the senator was “brain dead,” were responsible for this speculation. Even after the statement, she is still not convinced.
“Why doesn’t Mitch McConnell’s staff release a video of him? A photo could have been taken at any time. That’s nonsense. “The Americans are not stupid,” she writes on X.
How come Mitch McConnell’s staff won’t release a video of him?
A photo could have been taken at any time.
I call BS. The American people aren’t stupid.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) July 12, 2026
News reports from news outlets reporting Washington Fire and Emergency Services radio reports that a person was found unconscious at McConnell’s address also fueled speculation.
Last week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asked for a report on McConnell’s health in a public letter. Even the two leading Republicans in the Senate, John Thune and John Barrasso, spoke out and said they had spoken to the 84-year-old. But the speculation didn’t stop even then.
It is unclear when McConnell will return to the Senate. «I will keep you updated on the progress of my recovery. Until then, I am very grateful for your prayers and good wishes,” the US senator concludes his statement.