Elaine Chao, the former Transportation Secretary, traveled to China while her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, was hospitalized. Amid swirling rumors about the senator’s health, a spokesperson for Chao informed Fox News Digital that the situation was not severe enough to require her immediate return.
The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors,
the spokesperson revealed. During her visit, Chao met several individuals, including the U.S. ambassador. According to the spokesperson, McConnell’s health condition did not necessitate an urgent return to the United States.
Chao has since returned to the U.S., while McConnell remains hospitalized, entering his third week. Nonetheless, details regarding his current condition and the timeline for his Senate return remain unclear. His office has provided no specific information concerning the 84-year-old senator, who holds the record as the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in history and is expected to retire at the end of his current term.
An online rumor mill has fueled speculation about McConnell’s condition. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer claimed that a high level source close to the White House
alleged McConnell was brain dead
, further claiming he isn’t ever coming back
. The White House chose not to comment on Loomer’s claims.
Loomer’s assertions followed leaked audio from an emergency dispatch call on June 14, the day McConnell was hospitalized. The audio suggested McConnell was unconscious
and possibly suffered a heart attack.
When asked about Loomer’s statements, McConnell’s office reiterated the previous statement shared with Fox News Digital a week earlier. A spokesperson stated, Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,
adding that McConnell is improving and working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters during the Senate recess.
The Senate Republican leadership actively seeks to dispel rumors regarding McConnell’s health. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming reported recent conversations with McConnell. A spokesperson for Thune confirmed a phone call on Monday with a lengthy and substantive conversation covering various topics, including national security.
Barrasso’s spokesperson, Kate Noyes, mentioned an extended Tuesday afternoon phone call with McConnell lasting roughly 20 minutes. They caught up on Senate race news, the Graham Platner scandal, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on coordinated spending limits.
Their discussion covered the Senate’s July work period, emphasizing the necessity of passing the NDAA and confirming President Trump’s Director of National Intelligence nominee. Noyes noted McConnell was fully engaged
and keen to return to the Senate.
Alex Miller is the writer covering the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital.