President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has “no idea” about the health status of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and has not spoken with the Kentucky Republican since his hospitalization weeks ago.
McConnell was found unconscious at his Washington home and required CPR administration in mid-June, according to initial reports. His office has released minimal public updates on his condition since his hospitalization, stating only that he is receiving “excellent care.”
Questions About Transparency
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, sent a letter to McConnell on Wednesday requesting a full health update. “As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent,” Beshear wrote. “I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve.”
The 84-year-old senator’s office has not provided significant details about his condition or timeline for returning to work. The lack of information has prompted concerns among lawmakers and the public about his ability to fulfill his duties through his term’s end in January.
Conflicting Accounts From Colleagues
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on June 15 that he had spoken with McConnell and that he “sounded good.” “He wants to be back, but I’ll defer to his staff on when,” Thune said.
However, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah told social media users that many members of Congress remain uninformed about McConnell’s actual condition. “Many of us aren’t speaking about Mitch McConnell’s condition because we know nothing about his condition,” Lee posted.
Some Republican allies, including conservative CNN analyst Scott Jennings, have said they spoke with McConnell and that he expressed eagerness to return to his duties. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis said on CNN that such assurances fall short. “If Scott Jennings and Thune and everybody else could have a 20-minute phone call with Mitch McConnell, he should be able to shoot a 60-second proof-of-life video to show us that he’s okay,” Nellis said.