Trump Furious After GOP Senator Questions McConnell Hospital Photo

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Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin raised questions Monday about when a photo shared by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was taken, saying he had heard conflicting information about whether the image was recent. During an interview on Real America’s Voice, Johnson said he was unsure of the photo’s timing but expressed hope that McConnell would recover and return to the Senate to continue working on President Trump’s agenda.

“I’ve just heard from some other sources that was an older photo. So I really don’t know,” Johnson said during the interview. Later Monday, Johnson clarified his comments on X, warning people not to rely on shortened clips and emphasizing that his main concern was McConnell’s recovery. “Most importantly, I hope Sen. McConnell makes a full recovery and returns to the Senate,” Johnson wrote.

McConnell, 84, provided an update on his health Sunday after remaining largely out of public view following a June 14 hospitalization. The longtime Kentucky senator, who has announced he is retiring, said he was hospitalized after a fall caused him to briefly lose consciousness.

McConnell said doctors determined he did not suffer broken bones, a concussion, a heart attack, a stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages. However, he said he was treated for a mild case of pneumonia while receiving medical care over the past several weeks.

The former Senate GOP leader also shared a hospital photo showing him alongside his wife, Elaine Chao, who previously served as secretary of Labor and secretary of Transportation. In the image, McConnell was shown holding a copy of a Sunday edition sports section from The Washington Post.

The health update came after questions were raised publicly, including from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, about McConnell’s condition. It also followed the death of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died at age 71. Officials have said a preliminary determination listed his cause of death as an aortic dissection linked to cardiovascular disease.

McConnell said his doctors have advised him that he is not yet ready to return to the Senate floor. However, he said he remains involved with his legislative team and constituent services staff while continuing his recovery.

“I’ll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible,” McConnell said, thanking supporters for their prayers and well wishes as he continues to heal.