Mitch McConnell's private health battle takes a turn as Scott Jennings reveals latest update

WASHINGTON, DC: Mitch McConnell is recovering at home and “seemed to be doing a lot better,” according to his longtime friend and former political director, Scott Jennings.

The CNN senior political contributor shared the rare update during the August 11 episode of 'The Arena With Kasie Hunt,' saying he had spoken with the Kentucky Republican by phone earlier that day.

Scott Jennings shares Mitch McConnell health update 

“He left the rehab facility several days ago, and he's been recovering at home,” Jennings told a panel hosted by Pamela Brown, who was filling in for Kasie Hunt.

“I could tell being at home was better than being in the hospital,” he added.

McConnell has remained largely out of public view since early June, when a fall sent him to the hospital. He was later transferred to a rehabilitation facility before being discharged.

The senator has also kept details of his health largely private, something Jennings said should not necessarily be surprising.

When CNN contributor Lulu Garcia-Navarro asked why McConnell was speaking with Jennings rather than giving media interviews, Jennings pointed to the senator's personality and generation.

“My belief about males of that generation is that they're intensely private,” Jennings said. “He's always been a little private about his own personal healthcare.”

Mitch McConnell keeps health details private

McConnell, 84, has dealt with several health-related episodes and falls in recent years, including a fall inside the US Capitol in October. His limited public appearances and the small number of updates from his office have also fueled baseless speculation about his condition.

His office has instead released written statements and photographs as he continues his recovery.

A photograph of McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, in the hospital last month even became the subject of online claims that it had been digitally created.

The Washington Post later verified that the photograph was not AI-generated.

In his most recent statement, McConnell said he would continue recovering from home while following his doctors' advice.

“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.

Scott Jennings predicts Mitch McConnell's September return

Jennings also offered some insight into when McConnell could return to Capitol Hill.

He said he believes the senator is hoping to be back when the Senate returns from its August recess on September 14.

That would give McConnell a chance to return for the final stretch of his Senate career. The longtime Kentucky senator is not seeking reelection and is set to leave office next year.

“There’s an election in Kentucky in November. He'll be out of office come January,” Jennings said. “So this is the last few weeks of the Senate session of his term.”