Fact Check: Is Mitch McConnell returning to the Senate after a 91-day absence?

WASHINGTON, DC: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been absent from the Senate for more than 90 days, drawing attention to his expected return.

Reports say his team hopes he will return when the Senate resumes on September 14 after spending weeks recovering at home following a hospital stay and physical therapy.

McConnell’s possible return has also sparked speculation on social media. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Mitch McConnell to resume work on September 14

The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has been absent from the Senate since mid-June and has been recovering at home after hospitalization and intensive physical therapy. His office referred to an August statement that confirmed he remains in contact with his staff. 

Rep. James Comer also said Mitch McConnell’s staff hopes he will return to the Senate on September 14.

The possibility of McConnell’s return has sparked speculation and skepticism online. One user wrote, “He’s dead. At absolute best he’s brain dead.” Another commenter said, “Mitch McConnell’s team is saying he’s coming back to work tomorrow ... Can’t wait to see this.”

Another X user wrote, “Mitch McConnell’s staff has announced that he will be returning to the Senate next week. I have a tough time believing this ... but I’m told they were dead serious.”

Another user questioned whether McConnell would appear when the Senate returned, writing, “The Senate is back in session tomorrow. Will Mitch McConnell make an appearance? It’s doubtful. Why would he? Nothing happens when he doesn’t show for MONTHS. Our government is RIDICULOUS.”

Other users also shared memes and jokes about how McConnell would return to work after his long absence.

One user asked, “Body double?” Another speculated that his return could involve “a body double in a Hollywood-grade latex mask” or a “Weekend at Bernie’s” scenario involving a wheelchair and limited movement or speech.

Fact Check: The claim is unverified

The claim is unverified. McConnell’s staff has expressed a goal of having him return when the Senate reconvenes on September 14, but his office has not officially confirmed that he will appear. 

However, there is no evidence that he is dead, that his staff plans to use a body double, or that he cannot return to the Senate. His office has simply not announced a confirmed return date.

McConnell last spoke publicly about his recovery on August 6. He said he had left the rehabilitation center and would continue recovering at home. He also said he would follow his doctors’ advice and continue intensive physical therapy. 

McConnell added that he would stay in contact with his staff and colleagues on Senate business. "On the advice of my doctors, I'll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I'll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business," he said.