Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made headlines Wednesday when he froze again during a press conference. The Republican's assistant had to help him and repeat a journalist's question. It is the second time this summer that McConnell has appeared unable to speak in public.
A reporter asked the senator about the possibility of running for re-election in 2026. As he responded, McConnell stuttered briefly and then froze. "All right, I’m sorry, you all. We’re going to need a minute," the aide said, and then about 15 seconds passed where the Republican remained completely silent.
#WATCH | Senator Mitch McConnell freezes again during a press conference. pic.twitter.com/c6BruDYqhw
— VOZ (@Voz_US) August 30, 2023
The senator then returned to answer questions. Several media outlets, including NBC News, asked Mitch McConnell's office for comment on what happened but received no response.
The senator experienced a similar incident last month. In July, the Republican worried citizens after he showed up for a news conference and began talking about the National Defense Authorization Act he's working on. In the middle of his statements, the representative made a strange pause that lasted more than 20 seconds.
At that point, his Republican colleagues chimed in and asked him if he was feeling okay. "Are you OK, Mitch, is there anything else you want to say or should we get back to your office?" asked Wyoming Republican John Barrasso.
Shortly after, the 81-year-old Senate leader returned to the question round, and a reporter asked him about what happened. He replied, "I'm fine."
