Elaine Chao, wife of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, returned to the United States from China on Tuesday. Her return follows questions about her presence abroad while McConnell was hospitalized. Chao’s staff informed Newsweek of her return, emphasizing that there was no prior need for her to leave China despite worries about her husband’s health.
McConnell, 84, remains out of the Senate and is serving his final term set to end in January 2027. Reports indicated Chao was in China for her family’s charitable activities. Her office circulated photos showing her with Chinese officials, leading to public interest due to McConnell’s prolonged absence.
Who Is Mitch McConnell’s Wife?
Elaine Chao has a notable history in U.S. politics, having served in presidential Cabinets under two Republican leaders. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, she immigrated to the U.S. as a child and became a naturalized citizen. She served as labor secretary under President George W. Bush and as transportation secretary during President Donald Trump’s first term. Chao is recognized as the first Asian American woman in a presidential Cabinet and has held roles across government, business, and non-profit sectors.
Married to McConnell in 1993, Chao has become part of one of Washington’s key political couples. Although they have no children together, McConnell has three daughters from a previous marriage to Sherrill Redmon.
Is Mitch McConnell’s Wife Still in China?
While in China, Chao met with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on June 17, shortly after McConnell’s hospitalization. The meeting captured public attention due to his absence. Reports mentioned that Han advocated for stronger U.S.-China relations, with Chao emphasizing the benefits of stable ties.
Responding to questions, Chao’s representative stated: “The secretary was on a pre-planned trip in China supporting her family’s philanthropic endeavors. Her return was not immediate as the Senator’s health did not require it.” Chao’s office referred to this statement, addressing the speculation surrounding her travel.
Additionally, former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested in a TMZ D.C. interview that Chao acted as a Chinese spy by meeting the country’s vice president amid her husband’s hospitalization, a claim Chao’s office did not address when contacted by Newsweek.
Chao’s Family Business and Ties to China
Chao’s connections to China and her family’s shipping business, Foremost Group, have faced scrutiny over the years. A Department of Transportation investigation in 2021 highlighted Chao’s actions that appeared to benefit her family’s interests, including facilitating relatives’ involvement in planning a proposed China trip. The Justice Department, however, chose not to pursue prosecution.
There were also ethical concerns regarding Chao’s efforts to include family members with shipping-industry connections in meetings for a planned 2017 China trip and related to COVID-19 pandemic-relief loans obtained by Foremost Group.
Where Is Mitch McConnell Now?
As of Tuesday morning, McConnell remains in the hospital after a medical emergency at his Washington residence on June 14. His office released limited details about his condition, confirming he is receiving care and continues to recover. “Senator McConnell appreciates the support he’s receiving during his recovery in the hospital,” his office stated, adding that he is improving and working with staff on both Kentucky and Senate affairs while the Senate is not in session.
McConnell has faced numerous health issues, including falls, a concussion, and public freezing episodes, all of which have raised concerns about his condition. In 2025, he announced his decision not to seek reelection in 2026.
For more information on this story, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Dave Siminoff.
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