Former US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has returned to the US after a trip to China, during which her husband, Senator Mitch McConnell, was hospitalised. A spokesperson for Chao stated that the senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the US, as Chao was on a long-planned trip to support her family’s philanthropic endeavours.
Chao met with several individuals, including the US ambassador, during her trip. Her spokesperson said, “The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors. During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the U.S. ambassador. The Senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S.”
Meanwhile, Senator McConnell has entered his third week of hospitalisation, with his office keeping his current condition and expected return to the Senate under wraps. The 84-year-old longest-serving Senate Republican leader in history is expected to retire at the end of his term this year.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer claimed that a “high level source close to the White House” said McConnell was “brain dead” and would not be returning. However, the White House did not respond to a request for comment on Loomer’s claims.
A leaked audio from an emergency dispatch on June 14, the day McConnell was hospitalised, revealed that he was “unconscious” and may have suffered a heart attack. When asked about the veracity of Loomer’s claims, McConnell’s office shared a statement saying, “Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital. 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 Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, have spoken with McConnell in the last 48 hours, aiming to quash the rumour cycle surrounding his health. Thune and Barrasso reported having lengthy and substantive conversations with McConnell, discussing topics such as national security and the Senate’s July work period.
A spokesperson for Thune said that the pair spoke by phone on Monday, and that they had “a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security.” Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes said the No. 2 Senate Republican and McConnell spoke at length early Tuesday afternoon, discussing the latest news and the Senate’s upcoming work period.
Noyes stated, “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.”
