Meghan McCain is issuing a plea for a “real update” about Senator Mitch McConnell’s health.
“Senator McConnell’s staff owes it to the American public to give a real update on his health or show us some kind of proof of life,” McCain, 41, wrote via X on Tuesday, July 7. “All of this is unseemly, macabre, bad for democracy and quite frankly embarrassing for the country.”
McConnell, 84, was reportedly found unconscious last month after suffering a potential heart attack.
“Senator McConnell is still working closely with staff on Senate business and Kentucky matters as he continues his recovery,” his spokesperson, Stephanie Penn, told People via email on July 1. “However, he will not be voting this week.”
Days later, reports circulated that McConnell was brain dead before the politician’s staffers issued another statement.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” McConnell’s office said in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, July 7. “The senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
CNN analyst Scott Jennings has also claimed to have spoken with McConnell.
“He’s still recovering in the hospital. We talked for just shy of 20 minutes … about IRAN, UKRAINE, the unfolding situation in MAINE, my visit to the TR Presidential Library and even a little bit of Senate history,” Jennings, 48, tweeted on Tuesday. “I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible.”
McConnell has not further addressed his health scare. He was previously hospitalized earlier this year.
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation [on Monday, February 2],” his rep told Us in February. “His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
McConnell has held a seat representing Kentucky in the Senate since 1985. Currently in his seventh term, McConnell announced in 2025 that he didn’t plan to seek reelection in 2026.
“Seven times my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said in a February speech. “Every day in between, I’ve been humbled by the trust they place in me to do their business right here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”
