Sen. Mitch McConnell trips and falls while confronting protesters
Sen. Mitch McConnell trips and falls when confronted by a protester asking about ICE.
A spokesperson for the Kentucky Republican Party told USA TODAY that Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital on Monday, Feb. 2, “after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend.”
“His prognosis is good and we are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving,” the spokesperson confirmed. “He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to his Senate work.”
McConnell, 83, will not seek re-election when his term expires in 2026, but was unable to vote on the Senate floor this week due to illness. One of the most influential political leaders of his time, he entered the U.S. Senate in 1984 and served as the House Republican leader from 2007 to 2024 before ceding the position to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.
But McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, has had ongoing health concerns in recent years. Twice in 2023, he froze during a conversation with reporters, fell several times, and even had to use a wheelchair as a precaution.
Contributed by Phillip M. Bailey and Riley Beggin, USA TODAY; Lucas Allbach, Courier Journal
