At 82 years old, Senator Mitch McConnell is once again making headlines—not for legislative maneuvering, but for yet another series of falls inside the U.S. Capitol.
The longtime Kentucky Republican was spotted in a wheelchair on Wednesday, shortly after reportedly falling twice in a single day.
The news was first circulated online, with Ken Klippenstein, an independent journalist, posting an image of McConnell being pushed in a wheelchair by an aide.
“82-year-old Senator Mitch McConnell spotted in a wheelchair after falling not once but twice today.”
82 year old Senator Mitch McConnell spotted in a wheelchair after falling not once but twice today pic.twitter.com/m2RbTrFhOC
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) February 5, 2025
According to Newsweek, Republican Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) had to help McConnell back to his feet after he collapsed inside the Capitol following a vote to confirm President Donald Trump’s Housing and Urban Development nominee, Scott Turner.
Shortly after, McConnell fell again—this time outside the Senate chamber—though reports indicate he was able to stand up on his own.
McConnell fell again outside Senate chamber but was able to get up
He’s in GOP lunch now, standing. His colleagues are huddled around him https://t.co/tcNHjOfhC2
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) February 5, 2025
A spokesperson for the senator quickly moved to downplay the incident, attributing the falls to lingering effects from polio.
“Senator McConnell is fine,” the spokesperson insisted. “The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule of work.”
But this latest health scare is just part of a growing pattern of physical struggles for the longtime Republican leader.
McConnell’s repeated health episodes have been a topic of concern over the last year:
- December 2023: McConnell suffered a fall at a Republican lunch, requiring medical attention.
- March 2023: A concussion from a fall at a Washington, D.C. hotel sidelined McConnell for weeks.
- 2023 Freezing Episodes: Twice, McConnell froze mid-sentence during press conferences, unable to speak or react—raising serious questions about his health and fitness for office.
- Past Health Issues: In addition to his childhood polio, McConnell has previously suffered other physical ailments, including shoulder injuries from past falls.
Congressional Attending Physician Brian Monahan previously suggested that McConnell’s public freezing incidents could have been linked to a concussion or dehydration—but as these falls continue, speculation about his long-term ability to serve is intensifying.
