President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has no information about the health of Sen. Mitch McConnell, whose extended hospitalization continues to raise questions on Capitol Hill and beyond.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from an overseas trip, Trump was asked whether he had spoken with the former Senate majority leader.
“No,” Trump replied.
When asked how McConnell was doing, the president responded bluntly: “I have no idea. I have no idea how he’s doing.”
The exchange added another layer of uncertainty to a situation that has become a major topic of discussion in Washington.
McConnell, 84, has reportedly been hospitalized since mid-June. Multiple news outlets have reported that the Kentucky Republican was found unconscious at his home and suffered cardiac arrest. His office has released only limited information since then, declining to provide detailed updates about his medical condition or prognosis.
Despite the lack of public information, several Republican figures have said they recently spoke with McConnell by phone.
CNN commentator Scott Jennings said he had a lengthy conversation with the senator on Tuesday and discussed political matters. Jennings also said he remained unaware of the specific reasons behind McConnell’s hospitalization beyond what has been publicly reported.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso have likewise indicated that they communicated with McConnell by phone, suggesting he remains engaged in political discussions even while receiving medical care.
The situation has sparked growing interest because of McConnell’s long and influential role in Republican politics. As Senate majority leader, he helped shape the federal judiciary, oversaw major legislative battles, and became one of the most consequential figures in modern congressional history.
In recent years, however, concerns about McConnell’s health have periodically surfaced following several highly publicized incidents in which he appeared to freeze during public appearances.
The current hospitalization has generated even more attention because of its duration and the limited public information surrounding it.
Trump and McConnell have had a complicated relationship over the years. The two men worked together extensively during Trump’s first term, particularly on judicial nominations and tax legislation, but they also engaged in frequent public disagreements after Trump left office.
Even so, Trump’s comments Wednesday suggested he has not been directly briefed on McConnell’s current status.
McConnell’s office has not indicated when he may return to public duties or whether additional information about his condition will be released.
