Sen. Mitch McConnell Hospitalized, Spokesman Says

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) has been admitted to the hospital, the senator’s spokesman Dave Popp said in a statement Sunday.

Popp did not provide the reason McConnell was hospitalized or give the status of his condition, but said the senator “is receiving excellent care.”

Two of McConnell’s neighbors also told Reuters they saw the 84-year-old senator on a ​stretcher as he was being put into an ambulance Sunday morning at his Washington home.

In February 2024, McConnell announced he would step down as Senate Republican leader that November, ended his 17-year run leading the GOP conference.

In 2025, McConnell announced he would not seek reelection and his current terms ends early 2027.

In 2023, McConnell experienced two “freezing” incidents in which he appeared unable to speak mid-speech.

Then-candidate Donald Trump, who was running for a second presidential term, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called for McConnell to step down after he appeared to freeze during a July 26, 2023, press conference. McConnell went silent for about 20 seconds before being helped away from the podium and taken to his office.

McConnell said at that time that the recent death of his sister-in-law prompted him to reflect on his legacy and future role.

The veteran senator played a pivotal role in shaping modern conservative policy and the federal judiciary. He has remained active in Senate policy debates since giving up his role as Senate Republican leader.

He has been a strong supporter of providing aid to Ukraine during the war with Russia and has been critical of President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs to balance global trade with the United States, saying they make it expensive to do business in America.

Reuters contributed to this report.