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Former Secretary Elaine Chao issues statement on China trip amid McConnell’s illness; questions remain

WAVE3 · back to the audit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Attention from the American electorate is focused on the condition of Senator Mitch McConnell’s health.

The Senator was taken to a hospital in unknown condition on June 14 and has not been seen or heard from by the public since.

Several Republican politicians and commentators have said they’ve spoken with McConnell, but questions remain.

The news that his spouse, former Labor and Transportation Secretary, traveled to China on June 12, then met with the vice president of the nation, Han Zheng, on June 17, several days after Senator McConnell fell ill, was met with criticism from both politicos and members of the public.

In a statement sent to WAVE, a spokesperson for Secretary Chao said,

“The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors. During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the US ambassador. The Senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the US.”

Secretary Chao has since returned to the United States.

Calls for answers about McConnell’s health and fitness for work continue to grow despite the statements released today by the Secretary and others.