Mitch McConnell Freezes Up Again at Press Conference
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., apparently experienced another health episode Wednesday during a press event in his home state.
McConnell, 81, appeared to be briefly unable to respond to a question from a reporter about running for reelection after he spoke to the North Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in Covington, Kentucky.
After a pause, McConnell’s aide asked the senator whether he had heard the question about his 2026 plans. McConnell didn’t respond.
“All right, I’m sorry, you all. We’re going to need a minute,” the aide said.
McConnell was able to take a few short questions later from reporters, but then was led away by his aide.
The Daily Signal sought comment from McConnell’s office, which has yet to respond.
This marks the second time McConnell has frozen up at a press event in just over a month.
At a July 26 press conference on Capitol Hill, McConnell abruptly stopped speaking during his remarks.
Sen John Barrasso, R-Wyo., grabbed his arm and said, “Hey, Mitch, anything else you want to say? Or should we just go back to your office? Do you want to say anything else to the press?”
When asked later whether that incident had anything to do with his fall in March, which resulted in a concussion and fractured rib, McConnell said, “No, I’m fine.”
The minority leader later said on X, formerly Twitter, that he would resume his work in the Senate.
