Fact Check: Is the video showing Mitch McConnell seated for 20 hours straight real?

WASHINGTON, DC: Even as Senator Mitch McConnell remains absent from the public eye for 75 days, a video began circulating on social media platforms claiming to show the Kentucky Republican sitting in the Senate chamber for 20 hours straight with barely any moments. The video has sparked concerns and speculation, prompting a fact-check of the viral video.

Claim: Mitch McConnell remained seated and motionless for 20 hours

The video, taken on June 4 before his hospitalization, allegedly showed him remaining seated nearly motionless throughout the 20-hour Senate session. 

The video that spread on X, Instagram, and Reddit was condensed into a time-lapse video of the entire 20-hour session. 

An Instagram post claimed that he was in a wheelchair, while an X post claimed he was "in the Senate for nearly 20 hours and barely moved." 

The video has garnered millions of views, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories. While many believe the video to be authentic, a few others remain doubtful and have called for an analysis of the clip.

Fact Check: The clip is edited and misleading

The viral video is misleading, as the full 19 hours and 45 minutes of C-SPAN footage recorded that day shows otherwise and proves that the time-lapse video was heavily edited and only covered selected parts of the session.

The original footage shows McConnell didn't sit near motionless for 20 hours straight, but he was seen walking in and out of the chamber several times on his own, despite appearing weak and leaning on desks. 

In the early parts of the session, he could be seen seated for brief periods, while he remained continuously seated for around six hours toward the end of the session, following which he was escorted out by an aide. 

Photographs from the day of the session also confirm McConnell standing but being physically supported by his aides, which contradicts the claim that he was entirely in a wheelchair that day. Hence, the video is rated as false and misleading.

Mitch McConnell's health sparks concerns

On June 14, McConnell was found unconscious at his home in Washington, following which he was hospitalized.

Since then, the speculations and questions surrounding the 83-year-old’s health have persisted. His representatives repeatedly declined to provide detailed information or explanation about his condition or when he might resume his Senate duties. 

A few days later, McConnell’s office released photographs of the senator with his wife, Elaine Chao, the former transportation secretary.