In a recent interaction with the press, President Joe Biden expressed confidence in Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's health and ability to continue his role, despite recent incidents that have raised concerns.
McConnell, 81, had two instances this year where he froze while addressing the media, the latest occurring in Covington, Kentucky. These episodes followed a fall and subsequent hospitalization due to a concussion in March.
Biden, speaking from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters, dismissed concerns about McConnell's health. "I spoke to Mitch. He's a friend, and I spoke to him today. And you know, he was his old self on the telephone," the President said.
Biden, who is 80, also mentioned his familiarity with neurosurgeons, given that one of his top assistants is married to one. He suggested that McConnell's recent episodes could be a normal part of recovery from a severe concussion. "It's not at all unusual to have the response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you've had a severe concussion," Biden said. "It's part of the recovery. And I'm confident he's going to be back to his old self."
When asked if he had any concerns about McConnell's ability to perform his duties, Biden simply responded, "I don't."
McConnell's team attributed the recent incident to a bout of lightheadedness, the same explanation provided for the previous episode last month. During the incident, McConnell was asked about his plans for re-election in 2026. After a pause, he responded to a second aide who appeared by his side, saying, "I'm OK," and then proceeded to answer a few more questions.
Dr. Brian Monahan, Congress' attending physician, released a statement on Thursday, affirming McConnell's fitness to continue with his work schedule. "I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team. After evaluating yesterdays incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned," Monahan wrote.
He added that occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be a result of dehydration.
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