Elaine Chao, former Transportation Secretary, traveled to China while her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell, was hospitalized. Despite swirling rumors about his health, a spokesperson for Chao informed Fox News Digital that the situation was not severe enough to cancel her trip.
The spokesperson mentioned, “The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors. During the trip, she met with several people, including the U.S. ambassador. The Senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S.”
Chao has since come back to the U.S. as McConnell enters his third week in the hospital. However, details about his condition and his return to the Senate remain unclear.
The 84-year-old McConnell, the longest-serving Republican Senate leader in history, is expected to retire at the end of his term this year. His office has been silent, but an online rumor mill is active regarding his situation.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer claimed a “high-level source close to the White House” said McConnell was “brain dead” and unlikely to return. The White House hasn’t commented on Loomer’s claim.
Audio leaked from an emergency dispatch call on June 14—the day McConnell was hospitalized—suggested he was “unconscious” and might have suffered a heart attack.
In response to questions on these claims, McConnell’s office pointed Fox News Digital to a prior statement, affirming his ongoing recovery. The spokesperson stated, “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, Senate Republican leaders aim to curb rumors. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso confirmed phone conversations with McConnell in the past 48 hours. The pair last publicly announced contact with him several days post-hospitalization.
Thune’s spokesperson confirmed a Monday phone call with McConnell, discussing various topics, including national security. Barrasso’s spokesperson, Kate Noyes, detailed an early Tuesday conversation that covered recent Senate-related developments.
“Their phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes. They caught up about the latest news impacting Senate races, the Graham Platner scandal, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on coordinated spending limits,” Noyes stated. “They also discussed the Senate’s July work period, including passing the NDAA and confirming President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence. Senator McConnell was fully engaged and eager to return to the Senate.”
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
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