Mitch McConnell, 82, Falls Down Stairs Moments After Voting to Confirm a Member of Trump's Cabinet

Mar. 15, 2025

Moments afterMitch McConnellvoted to confirm PresidentDonald Trump’s pick for HUD secretary, the 82-year-old Kentucky senator fell down the stairs, according to multiple reports.

Sen. Mitch McConnell.Aaron Schwartz/NurPhoto via Getty

Aaron Schwartz/NurPhoto via Getty

Igor Bobic, a senior HuffPost reporter, added further insight about McConnell’s well-beingon Xshortly after the fall.

“McConnell fell again outside Senate chamber,” Bobic wrote, “but was able to get up. He’s in GOP lunch now, standing. His colleagues are huddled around him.”

Scott Turner.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

A spokesperson for McConnell tells PEOPLE that the senator is “fine,” adding, “The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule as work.”

McConnell is temporarily using a wheelchair out of precaution.

Wednesday’s incident is the latest in a series of stumbles involving the longtime Republican Senate leader over the past few years. Most recently, McConnellfell at the U.S. Capitol in Decemberwhile leaving a Senate GOP luncheon, according to multiple reports.

Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Mitch McConnell.Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty

South Dakota Sen.John Thune— who had just beenelected to replace McConnell as the GOP Senate leader— said in a press conference that McConnell was “fine” and “in his office” following the incident, perThe Hill.

Barrasso told reporters that McConnell fell in an area outside the Senate chamber and had a scratch on his face, according to Axios.

John Barrasso intervenes after Mitch McConnell freezes up during a press conference on July 26, 2023.Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

McConnell has also had other concerning health episodes while in the public spotlight.

During a press conference at the Capitol in July 2023,McConnell suddenly stopped talking and froze up, leading his colleagues to intervene and ask if he wanted to go back to his office. The politician was seen turning away from the podium before later returning to continue speaking to reporters.

One reporter asked if the incident was related to the concussion he suffered in March 2023after a fall at a dinner event, to which McConnell said, “I’m fine.”

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Just one month later, in August 2023, the politician suddenlywent silent againduring a press conference with reporters after being asked about his reelection plans in 2026.

An aide responded to the politician during the incident and repeated the question. When McConnell continued to remain unresponsive, a second aide approached him. The senator recovered moments later and moved on to the next question.

A spokesperson said at the time, “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.” An aide additionally shared, “While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.”

source: people.com