Mitch McConnell Health Update: GOP Leaders Quash Death Rumors, Say Kentucky Senator Was 'Fully Engaged'

Senate Republican leaders John Thune and John Barrasso, along with CNN commentator Scott Jennings, said they recently held lengthy phone conversations with Mitch McConnell.

Senate Republican leaders and longtime adviser Scott Jennings said they recently spoke with Sen. Mitch McConnell by phone, pushing back against mounting online speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health after his hospitalization on June 14.

The statements came after far-right social media figures, including Laura Loomer, circulated unverified claims that McConnell was “brain dead” and that his staff was concealing his condition.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the majority leader spoke with McConnell on Monday.

“Leader Thune spoke with Sen. McConnell yesterday by phone. They had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security.”

Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office also said the senator spoke with McConnell on Tuesday. According to spokesperson Kate Noyes, the phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes.

“Senator Barrasso and Senator McConnell had a lengthy conversation early this afternoon. Their phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes. They caught up about the latest news impacting Senate races, the Graham Platner scandal, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on coordinated spending limits. They also discussed the Senate’s July work period, including the need to pass the NDAA and confirm President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence. Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate.”

CNN commentator Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell adviser, also said he spoke with the senator on Tuesday. According to Jennings, the conversation lasted “just shy of 20 minutes.”

“I spoke to my old friend Mitch McConnell this morning, the senior Senator from Kentucky. He’s still recovering in the hospital.”

Jennings said the two discussed Iran, Ukraine, the unfolding situation in Maine, his visit to the Trump Presidential Library and Senate history. “I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible.”

McConnell has remained hospitalized since June 14, while his office has released only limited updates and has not disclosed the reason for his hospitalization.

According to Politico, speculation intensified after reports referenced DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services radio traffic indicating that a person at McConnell’s address was found unconscious and required cardiac resuscitation. The reports did not establish that the individual was McConnell.

Separately, Laura Loomer posted on X that a purported White House source claimed McConnell was “brain dead” and being kept alive on life support. The claims were presented without evidence.

A spokesperson for McConnell did not directly respond to requests for an updated health status, according to Politico. However, McConnell’s staff pointed reporters to a statement issued last Thursday that said, “McConnell continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff.”

The office also highlighted the recent conversations with Thune, Barrasso and Jennings as speculation about the senator’s health continued online.

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