Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had another worrisome freeze-up during a news conference on Wednesday, going silent for more than 30 seconds after a Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce speech in Covington, Kentucky.
It was eerily similar to an episode last month in which McConnell had to be whisked away by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) after suddenly freezing at the podium during another press conference with reporters at the U.S. Capitol.
On Wednesday, McConnell suddenly paused as he was answering a question about running for re-election in 2026. An aide came to his side and asked if he had heard the question but the 81-year-old didn’t respond.
“I’m sorry y’all, we’re going to need a minute,” the aide said.
After half a minute of uncomfortable silence, McConnell eked out a word. “Okay,” he muttered.
McConnell fielded two more questions from reporters—one about Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and another about former President Donald Trump’s indictment. Both questions had to be repeated to McConnell by his aide, who ended the press conference after the Trump question.
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