Conspiracy theories about Sen. McConnell’s health spread after his office posts hospital photo

This version of Conspiracy Theories Sen Mcconnells Health Spread Office Posts Hospital Rcna587333 - Politics and Government | NBC News Clone was adapted by NBC News Clone to help readers digest key facts more efficiently.

Even two of McConnell’s GOP colleagues questioned the photograph, without evidence, in a sign of political distrust after his office spent weeks declining to explain his hospitalization.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on May 19. Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images file

July 13, 2026, 9:34 PM EDT / Updated July 14, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT

By Scott Wong, Frank Thorp V and Brennan Leach

WASHINGTON — A new photo of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., smiling and sitting up in the hospital was meant to put to rest rumors that the former powerful Republican leader was incapacitated, or worse.

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