Mitch McConnell is finally out of the hospital, more than a month after his major health scare.
The Kentucky senator has remained absent from office since he was suddenly hospitalized on June 14, sparking questions from colleagues and constituents.
Theories have since arisen about McConnell’s well-being, with some suggesting he secretly passed while others went as far as making “missing persons” posters.
4In a statement on Facebook, McConnell confirmed that he was no longer hospitalized as of Thursday, August 6. “Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home,” it read.
The politician expressed gratitude to the hospital staff, concerned colleagues and well-wishers on behalf of himself and his wife Elaine Chao, revealing he received “excellent” and “attentive care.”
However, despite his release, McConnell will not be resuming his office on Capitol Hill just yet. He explained:
“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”
How Long Will Mitch McConnell Continue To Be Away From The Senate?
4According to PEOPLE Magazine, the “state work period” McConnell referenced is said to last from Aug. 10 until Sept. 11, a little over a month.
If the politician resumes at the set time, he will have spent over three months in total away from office.
Although there is no certainty of McConnell’s comeback, the Senate is already feeling the impact of his absence.
For the passing of the summer agenda for President Donald Trump, there is a great divide between the Democrats and Republicans, with McConnell’s vote holding much power.
Washington, DC Prank Called McConnell A Missing Person
The positive update from the 84-year-old comes after citizens protested his prolonged absence with humor.
As The Blast reported, last week, “Missing Persons” posters littered the streets of Washington D.C., calling for McConnell’s whereabouts.
The posters had an image of the senator from his hospital bed as well as descriptions like “84 years, 5’9, and turtle-like,” pointing to his features.
Mocking McConnell as a politician known for “blocking something in the Senate” and resembling a tortoise, the poster concluded, “If you have any information about his whereabouts, please keep it to yourself. He would.”
Jimmy Kimmel Leads Conspiracy Theory About McConnell
4Citizens weren’t the only ones who made light of the senator’s health struggles, with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel taking a playful jab.
After McConnell shared an update from the hospital, revealing he was admitted after suffering “mobility challenges,” the comedian took to Instagram to recreate the photo.
Per The Blast, Kimmel superimposed his head on McConnell’s body with the caption, “For those who’ve been asking, I’m feeling great.” However, the post earned mixed reactions, with some finding it funny and others in poor taste.
The talk show host wasn’t the only celebrity to comment on McConnell’s well-being. Bravo star Lisa Rinna shared a bizarre theory online, fueling rumors that the politician was no more.
“I mean, come on, Mitch McConnell’s dead. He’s dead. They’re keeping him alive like ‘Weekend at Bernie’s,’” she said in a clip.
A Colleague Described The Senator As ‘Clear-Minded’ Amid Concerns
4Amid the noise of the jokes and theories, many expressed real concerns about McConnell’s well-being.
There were even calls for him to resign from office, as there was little to no faith that he was fit to carry out his duties. It also didn’t help that McConnell was mostly quiet, with no physical proof he was alive and well.
Luckily, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia stepped in to quiet citizens’ fears, giving an update on her pal. Capito revealed in an interview that an acquaintance of hers visited McConnell in the hospital and observed him in good spirits and mentally sharp.
“I talked to somebody yesterday who visited him and said that he was clear-minded and just needs to get stronger,” she stated, per The Blast.
Praising McConnell’s mental state, Capito noted that she couldn’t visit him just yet as the process was delicate and it was a private moment for the senator, who was focused on his recovery.
