Mitch McConnell Calls GOP Allies From Hospital To Shut Down Rumors About His Health

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been making phone calls from his hospital bed to Republican allies after internet rumors spread claiming the 84-year-old Kentucky senator was “brain dead.”

The speculation followed reports that McConnell was rushed to George Washington University Hospital on June 14 after being found unconscious at his Washington, DC residence. Emergency dispatch audio reportedly referenced CPR in progress and a possible cardiac arrest.

McConnell’s office said the senator continues to improve and remains engaged with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while Congress is out of session.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he had a lengthy and substantive phone call with McConnell covering multiple topics, including national security. Sen. John Barrasso also reportedly spoke with McConnell for about 20 minutes and said the senator was fully engaged.

Former McConnell adviser Scott Jennings said he spoke with his old boss as well, describing a wide-ranging conversation about Iran, Ukraine, Maine politics, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and Senate history.

The rumors were fueled by online speculation from Laura Loomer, who claimed there was a cover-up involving McConnell’s condition. Some Republican lawmakers have said they have received little information, with Sen. Mike Lee noting that many members do not know enough to comment publicly.

McConnell has faced several health scares in recent years, including falls, public freeze-ups, a February hospitalization for flu-like symptoms, and frequent use of a wheelchair on Capitol Hill.

The longtime Senate Republican leader stepped down from leadership in January 2025 and has already announced he will not seek re-election when his current term ends.