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McConnell’s Health Remains Unclear as Wife Returns From China Trip

Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao remained in China during the early days of her husband Sen. Mitch McConnell's hospitalization, with a spokesperson saying his medical condition did not require her to cut the…

Andrew PowellJul 8, 20263 min read

Elaine Chao Mitch McConnell Politics U.S. News

Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao remained in China during the early days of her husband Sen. Mitch McConnell's hospitalization, with a spokesperson saying his medical condition did not require her to cut the trip short.

According to Fox News, Chao had traveled to China on what her office described as a long-planned visit tied to her family's philanthropic work.

During the trip, she also met with several people, including the U.S. ambassador.

"The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family's philanthropic endeavors," a spokesperson for Chao told Fox News Digital. "During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the U.S. ambassador. The Senator's health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S."

Chao has since returned to the United States as McConnell entered his third week in the hospital.

The Kentucky Republican's office has not disclosed the nature of his illness or provided a timeline for his return to the Senate, fueling widespread speculation online about his condition.

One rumor circulated after conservative commentator Laura Loomer claimed a source close to the White House told her McConnell was "brain dead" and would not return.

The speculation followed the release of emergency dispatch audio from June 14, the day McConnell was hospitalized, in which responders indicated the longtime senator was unconscious and may have suffered a heart attack.

Despite the rumors, McConnell's office has continued to say the senator is improving.

"Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he's receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital," a spokesperson said. "The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session."

Senate Republican leaders have also sought to reassure the public that McConnell remains engaged in his duties.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the two spoke by phone Monday and had "a lengthy and substantive conversation" that included national security issues.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso also spoke with McConnell on Tuesday, according to spokeswoman Kate Noyes.

Noyes said the conversation lasted about 20 minutes and covered Senate races, the Graham Platner scandal, a recent Supreme Court ruling on coordinated spending limits, the Senate's July work schedule, the National Defense Authorization Act, and confirming President Donald Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence.

According to Barrasso's office, McConnell was "fully engaged" during the call and is eager to return to the Senate.