Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows

Mitch McConnell at the Capitol in February 2024. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters View image in fullscreen Mitch McConnell at the Capitol in February 2024. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows John Thune says he spoke to McConnell on phone as secrecy over 84-year-old’s health prompts Maga backlash Republican leaders have moved to quash speculation about Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader in the US Senate, amid a growing revolt over the lack of transparency around his health. The 84-year-old Kentucky politician, who led Senate Republicans for longer than anyone in history before stepping down last year, was admitted to hospital on 14 June but his office declined to say what he was being treated for. The secrecy led to a backlash from Donald Trump’s support base, with some claiming that McConnell’s condition is graver than acknowledged and accusing his office of a cover-up. On Tuesday, John Thune , McConnell’s successor as Republican leader, sought to quell the anger by claiming that he had spoken by phone with McConnell on Monday. A Thune spokesperson said: “They had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security.” Senate Republican whip John Barrasso also weighed in. Kate Noyes, a spokesperson for the Wyoming senator, said on Tuesday: “Senator Barrasso and Senator McConnell had a lengthy conversation early this afternoon. Their phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes.” The men discussed Senate races, including the scandal involving Democrat Graham Platner in Maine, and a recent supreme court ruling on coordinated spending limits, as well as the Senate’s July work period, according to Noyes. “Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate.” The health of McConnell, who had polio in early childhood, has been under close scrutiny for years. He was hospitalised in 2023 after a fall that left him with a concussion, later froze twice during public appearances, sprained his wrist in another fall in 2024 and spent more than a week in hospital earlier this year for flu-like symptoms. On 14 June McConnell’s office said he had been taken to hospital and was “receiving excellent care” without providing further details. But according to recordings of dispatcher calls obtained by several media outlets, paramedics performed CPR on an “unconscious” person who appeared to be experiencing cardiac arrest at the home of McConnell on the same day. The person was not named. McConnell’s office said last week : “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.” Meanwhile, McConnell’s wife, former cabinet member Elaine Chao, reportedly returned to the US on Tuesday after a trip to China. Some o