Mitch McConnell

Skepticism erupted on both sides of the political aisle after absent Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office announced Thursday that the ailing Kentucky Republican was discharged from the rehabilitation facility treating his injuries from a mid-June fall.

“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. [Wife] Elaine [Chao] and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff,” McConnell, 84, was quoted as saying in a statement.

“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business,” the statement concluded.

Conspiracy theories about McConnell’s health have surfaced in the nearly two months since the former Senate majority leader was last seen in public on June 11, including that he suffered a stroke, organ failure, or even that aides are concealing his death.

In two previous updates, McConnell’s office provided photos of the senator with Chao; the pictures raised questions about why McConnell did not release a video or why the Kentucky senator has not granted interviews since his hospitalization and subsequent transfer to the rehabilitation facility.

The latest development sparked skepticism from both MAGA figures and Democrats.

“Video or it didn’t happen,” posted Jamie Bonkiewicz, who has a liberal following on X.

Joyce White Vance, a former U.S. attorney from the Obama administration and MS NOW legal analyst, shared a similar critique.

“Pictures or it didn’t happen,” Vance tweeted.

MAGA influencer Benny Johnson suggested the latest McConnell update invited more questions.

“When will we see him on video?” Johnson told his followers on X.