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Where is Mitch McConnell? New development from his office
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office is not answering “basic questions” about when the Kentucky Republican, now more than a month out since he was hospitalized, according to The Daily Beast.
The Daily Beast reported Tuesday that McConnell’s staff has declined to answer whether he has spoken to them in recent days, his cognitive status and when he is expected to return to work.
The outlet also spotted security vehicles sitting outside of the George Washington University Hospital over the last few days, and suggested they belonged to the senator.
The latest development comes as McConnell revealed in a statement on July 12 that he is recovering from a fall that left him “briefly unconscious,” as well as a subsequent “mild case” of pneumonia.
McConnell, 84, added that he expects to return to the Senate to finish the remainder of his term before retiring, but he did not provide a timeline.
He did include a photo of him smiling beside his wife, Elaine Chao, and noted that he had moved to a rehabilitation center to continue to regain his strength.
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14. Before he broke his silence, his office provided scant details about the senator’s condition and what led to his hospitalization.
His team had instead repeatedly pointed to a statement first issued on July 2.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” the previous statement reads. “The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
The lack of information fueled unverified speculation that McConnell’s condition was worse than expected, including that he may be brain dead or experiencing organ failure.
Many critics online are still calling for more transparency from McConnell, including a recorded video of him saying that he is OK.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said last week that he received two calls from agencies suggesting McConnell died while he was in the hospital.