🚨 Fox News Host Tells McConnell To Show Up To Work Or Resign

Sen. Mitch McConnell is facing growing pressure to return to Capitol Hill and publicly demonstrate that he can continue serving after spending nearly three months away from the Senate following a serious fall.

The criticism is now coming from both conservative media figures and Kentucky’s Democratic governor as the 84-year-old Republican approaches September 14, when senators are scheduled to return to Washington.

McConnell has remained largely out of public view since being hospitalized June 14 after falling at his home, later undergoing rehabilitation and continuing physical therapy after returning home in August. His office has released photographs and statements saying he remains engaged with Senate business, but has not announced a firm schedule for his return. Fox News contributor Joe Concha has now publicly demanded that McConnell either return to work in September or resign his Senate seat.

“I’ll say it. If McConnell does not come back in September, he needs to step down! Enough of this already,” Concha said on “The Big Weekend Show.” Concha said he was no longer satisfied with photographs or statements released on McConnell’s behalf and wanted to hear directly from the senator. “How many months has it been since we heard from him directly? I don’t want to see proof of life photos from a hospital bed anymore!” Concha said. “He needs to get in front of a microphone and prove he can do this job,” he added.

McConnell was hospitalized June 14 following a fall at his Kentucky home and was also treated for a mild case of pneumonia. His office announced August 6 that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation facility and would continue recovering at home. McConnell has not been publicly seen since his hospitalization aside from photographs released by his office, although he reportedly spoke with congressional colleagues by telephone during his recovery.

One photograph released in July showed McConnell alongside his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, accompanied by a statement from his doctor saying he was undergoing a “strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation.” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said he has spoken with members of McConnell’s staff and expects the senator to return when the Senate reconvenes September 14.

“I have not talked to Leader McConnell,” Comer said, explaining that staff members had told him their goal was for McConnell to be back in Washington.

“I expect that. I sure hope so,” Comer said.

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has also increased pressure on McConnell to return or provide a clearer explanation about his ability to continue serving. “If he is not there on Monday, he owes an explanation to the American people, to the people of Kentucky,” Beshear said during his weekly Team Kentucky update. “You can’t not show up for work and not call and talk to your boss — and his boss is the people of Kentucky,” the governor added.

Beshear said he has repeatedly sought communication with McConnell but has not personally heard from the senator. “I’ve still heard absolutely nothing from the senator,” Beshear said, arguing that McConnell had been absent for nearly three months.

Beshear also criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., saying he believes Senate leadership has a responsibility to determine whether McConnell remains capable of fulfilling his duties. McConnell has been dogged by a series of health concerns during his final Senate term. A fall earlier this year left him using a wheelchair and assistance while navigating parts of the Capitol, following another fall in December 2024 that caused a wrist injury and facial cuts.

McConnell also experienced two widely publicized episodes in 2023 when he abruptly stopped speaking and appeared frozen while answering questions from reporters, WHAS reported. He stepped down as Senate Republican leader in 2024 after serving a record 18 years in the position, with Thune succeeding him as the chamber’s top Republican.