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CNN is addressing political commentator Scott Jennings’ recent claim he spoke with Mitch McConnell at length amid the senator’s ongoing and undisclosed health issue.
“As a CNN Political Commentator, Scott Jennings is not a full-time employee or journalist for the network,” a spokesperson for the network told The Daily Beast on Friday, July 10. “His account of a personal conversation with Senator McConnell reflects his experience and is not CNN reporting.”
Jennings, 48, alleged on a Tuesday, July 7, broadcast of CNN that he spoke to McConnell, 84, earlier that day for “about 17 minutes” while the senator was in the hospital. He further claimed that McConnell was “preparing, at some point, to go back to work” and denied reports that he was comatose or a “vegetable.”
Jennings had also tweeted about his alleged conversation with McConnell.
“He’s still recovering in the hospital. 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,” Jennings wrote via X at the time. “I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible.”
McConnell was reportedly found unconscious in June after suffering a suspected heart attack.
“Senator McConnell is still working closely with staff on Senate business and Kentucky matters as he continues his recovery,” his spokesperson, Stephanie Penn, later told People via email on July 1. “However, he will not be voting this week.”
Days later, reports swirled that McConnell was brain dead amid his mysterious condition.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” McConnell’s office said in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, shutting down the speculation. “The senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
McConnell, who has not further addressed his health scare, was previously hospitalized in February.
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation [on Monday, February 2],” his rep told Us at the time. “His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
McConnell has represented Kentucky in the United States Senate since 1985. Currently in his seventh term, the politician announced in 2025 that he didn’t plan to seek reelection the next year.
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