JULY 8, 2026

Elaine Chao remained in China during McConnell hospitalization; Senate leaders say they spoke with him by phone

Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized for more than three weeks, with his office offering limited public updates on his condition. His wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, was in China during his hospitalization for a "long-planned trip" to support her family's philanthropic endeavors, according to her spokesperson. Chao has since returned to the United States.

McConnell was found unconscious at his home on June 14, the day he was sent to the hospital, according to leaked emergency dispatch audio. His office has not disclosed a diagnosis or a timetable for his return to the Senate, saying only that he "continues to improve" and is working with staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the chamber is out of session.

Chao's spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "the Senator's health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S." during her China trip, where she also met with the U.S. ambassador. Chao has since returned, but neither she nor McConnell's office has provided further detail about his current status.

Online speculation about McConnell's condition intensified after conservative commentator Laura Loomer said a "high level source close to the White House" described McConnell as "brain dead" and said he would not return. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on those statements. McConnell's office, in response, repeated an earlier statement saying the senator appreciates the public's support and continues to recover.