Senator Mitch McConnell, currently hospitalized, has been engaged in lengthy phone conversations with other Republican lawmakers in recent days, according to congressional aides. These discussions are intended to address mounting speculation surrounding his health.
A spokesperson for McConnell stated, “Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital.” The spokesperson added, “The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, spoke with McConnell the day prior. A spokesperson for Thune described the conversation as long and substantive, noting that it included discussions on national security topics.
McConnell’s office has provided limited details about his condition since he was hospitalized nearly a month ago, only stating that he continues to improve. Concerns about his health intensified after audio from an emergency dispatch call to his Washington, D.C. residence on June 14 emerged. Initial dispatch information indicated someone at the scene was unconscious, with a subsequent call mentioning “cardiac arrest.” When USA TODAY inquired about the audio, McConnell’s office did not confirm or deny if the calls involved him.
The Senate is scheduled to return to session next week.
Just before 9 a.m. on June 14, emergency responders were called to an address listed in records as the senator's Washington, DC, residence. An initial, publicly available dispatch call indicated someone at the scene was unconscious. Another call, made several minutes later, showed someone was in "cardiac arrest."
Zachary Schermele is the congressional correspondent for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.
