New Mitch McConnell Video Shows Senate Leaders John Thune and John Barrasso Knew 'Frozen' McConnell was Having Difficulty Voting Before Hospitalization
Mitch McConnell appeared to struggle while voting during the June 4 Senate vote-a-rama.
Aug. 22 2026, Published 11:27 a.m. ET
Newly surfaced video appears to show Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator John Barrasso interacting with staff as Mitch McConnell struggled to vote, just 10 days before his hospitalization, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The footage was highlighted by independent journalist Desirée Townsend, who has been examining video from the Senate session and McConnell's condition in the days leading up to his hospital stay.
Mitch McConnell Appears to Need Help Casting His Vote
John Thune and John Barrasso were seen during the vote-a-rama as Mitch McConnell required assistance.
Townsend described the footage as a significant clip showing McConnell struggling during the Senate session.
"Here is another bombshell Mitch McConnell clip from the June 4, 2026 vote-a-rama," Townsend wrote on X.
"In this clip, you can clearly see that John Thune and John Barrasso, two leaders of the Senate, were aware that Mitch McConnell was having difficulty voting and required assistance that evening from Senate staff and from McConnell's handler, a man frequently seen wheeling him around Capitol Hill," she added.
Independent journalist Desirée Townsend shared footage of Mitch McConnell from the June 4 vote-a-rama.
John Thune and John Barrasso Allegedly Spent Little Time Speaking With Mitch McConnell
Desirée Townsend questioned how much time John Thune and John Barrasso spent speaking with Mitch McConnell.
Townsend also shared, "Another interesting thing I observed throughout the vote-a-rama is that Thune and Barrasso did not appear to spend any meaningful amount of time speaking with McConnell."
"That makes the reports of their roughly 20-minute conversations with him while he was hospitalized particularly intriguing," she continued.
The independent journalist was referring to the 20-minute phone call Barrasso claimed he had with McConnell after he was hospitalized.
Thune also claimed he has a "long and substantive" conversation with McConnell on July 6, per a spokesperson.
Scott Jennings Also Had a 20-Minute Conversation With Mitch McConnell
Scott Jennings said he spoke with Mitch McConnell for nearly 20 minutes while the senator was hospitalized.
Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell adviser, also addressed his conversation with the senator while he was hospitalized.
"We talked for just shy of 20 minutes... about IRAN, UKRAINE, the unfolding situation in MAINE, my visit to the TR Presidential Library, and even a little bit of Senate history. I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible," he shared.
However, conservative activist Laura Loomer questioned all of the lengthy phone calls.
"I am sure all of you had 20 minute long conversations with Mitch McConnell today since 3 years ago, he couldn't even have a 45 second conversation," Loomer shared on X.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Mitch McConnell Has Been Released From Rehab
Mitch McConnell was released from rehabilitation on August 6 following his hospitalization.
On August 6, the Kentucky senator was released from rehab after almost two months after a fall in his Washington, D.C. home.
"Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I've received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff," he shared in a statement, referring to his wife, Elaine Chao.
