Sen. Ron Johnson they doubt whether Sen. Mitch McConnellThe photo of 'proof of life' was taken by his hospital bed over the weekend.
“I just heard from another, another source that was an old picture, so I don't know,” said the 71-year-old Wisconsin politician. The Voice of Real America on Monday, July 13. “I haven't talked to Mitch.
Us Weekly has reached out to McConnell's representative for comment.
On Sunday, July 12, McConnell released a written statement about his health, alongside a photo of the politician and his wife, Elaine Chaoat his bedside. McConnell has been hospitalized since he was reportedly found unconscious at his home last month.
In Monday's interview, Johnson said he “disagrees on a lot of things” with McConnell but noted that the former Senate Majority Leader “loves his country” and “loves the Senate.”
“I wish him the best but I hope he recovers,” added Johnson. “I hope he can come back and contribute, vote again, and the president's plan.”
McConnell's statement appears to have been released to quell fears for his health following the Senate impeachment. Lindsey Graham71 deaths on Saturday, July 11, suspected of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. (Aortic dissection is caused by tearing of the aorta, which causes rapid blood loss.)
“My doctors have confirmed that I have not had any broken bones or serious concussions. I have not had a heart attack or stroke. I have no abscesses or bleeding,” McConnell wrote. “But I fainted for a while and was taken to the hospital.” Although I have been receiving excellent care for the past few weeks, I have had to deal with a small bout of pneumonia.”
He added, “In fact, because of the signs of continued improvement, I was able to move from the hospital to a rehabilitation center where I will continue to regain my strength.”
McConnell also addressed complaints across the political spectrum that he missed important Senate votes due to his illness. (McConnell is not running for re-election in Kentucky and will retire from the Senate in January 2027.)
“You are right to expect your representatives to work hard for you,” the statement read in part. “And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was to be honest about the demands of the work of the Senate. But I still have unfinished business to finish, and I have a great intention to finish the work I was elected to do.”
Meanwhile, McConnell issued a second statement on Sunday acknowledging the death of South Carolina Senator Graham, who served in the Senate from 2003 until he died on Saturday.
“Lindsey Graham was a good friend and a great American, and I was surprised and saddened by her passing,” McConnell wrote Sunday. “His constituents and colleagues relied on his straight talk, his conviction, and his undying desire to fight a worthy fight. The Senate will miss him, and Elaine and I keep his family in our prayers.”
