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Sen. Mike Lee Says Most Republicans Don’t Know McConnell’s Condition

Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) says most Republican senators have little or no firsthand knowledge of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s medical condition, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the Kentucky Republican as he remains hospitalized weeks after a serious medical emergency.

Lee made the remarks when asked about McConnell’s prolonged absence from the Senate, saying rank-and-file lawmakers have received few details beyond the limited public statements released by McConnell’s office.

‘Most Of Us Don’t Know’

Lee acknowledged that speculation has grown because so little official information has been released.

His comments contrast with earlier remarks from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who previously said McConnell “sounded good” during a recent conversation. Lee indicated that most senators have not received similar updates and remain largely in the dark about their colleague’s condition.

Office Continues To Release Limited Information

McConnell’s office has consistently maintained that the 84-year-old senator is recovering and remains engaged with Senate business.

In its latest public statement, spokesman David Popp said McConnell “continues to improve” and is working with staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while Congress is in recess. The office has not disclosed his diagnosis, prognosis, or expected discharge date.

Medical Emergency Prompted Questions

McConnell has not appeared publicly since June 14, when emergency responders were dispatched to his Washington residence.

Emergency dispatch audio reviewed by multiple news organizations described an unconscious patient and referenced CPR in progress. McConnell’s office has not confirmed the specific medical event that led to his hospitalization.

The absence of detailed updates has fueled intense online speculation, including unverified claims promoted by White House confidant Laura Loomer. McConnell’s office has offered no support for those assertions, saying only that the senator continues to improve.

Questions Persist As Senate Recess Continues

The Senate remains in recess until later this month, giving McConnell additional time to recover before lawmakers return to Washington.

Whether he will be able to resume his duties when the Senate reconvenes remains unclear. McConnell previously announced he will not seek reelection and plans to retire when his current term expires in January 2027.

For now, Lee’s comments highlight what many senators have acknowledged privately: beyond the brief statements released by McConnell’s aides, even many of his Republican colleagues say they know little about his current condition.

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Trump Breaks Silence On Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for former President Joe Biden following Sunday’s surprise announcement of Biden’s aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated:

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Biden, 82, was diagnosed with a high-grade, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment plans with his medical team.

Trump’s message marks a notable moment of bipartisan compassion amid ongoing political tensions.

In his first public statement following the diagnosis, Biden expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying:

“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are the strongest in broken places.”

The announcement has prompted a wave of bipartisan support, with messages of encouragement from various political figures, including Kamala Harris and Barack Obama.

However, not all reactions have been as supportive. Donald Trump Jr. initially shared a message wishing President Biden a speedy recovery but later posted a controversial comment questioning how Dr. Jill Biden could have missed signs of advanced cancer, suggesting a possible cover-up. “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer—or is this yet another cover-up???” Trump Jr. wrote on X (formerly Twitter). His post was widely criticized for its accusatory tone and for failing to note that Jill Biden holds a doctorate in education, not medicine.

According to Newsweek‘s reporting, the cancer presumably developed rapidly, despite Biden’s routine screenings intended to detect it early:

A professor of oncology told Newsweek that Joe Biden would have been tested for prostate cancer while in office and it is likely his cancer developed rapidly.

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Biden’s age and health were dominant concerns among voters during his time as president. The 82-year-old dismissed concerns about his mental acuity, but ultimately dropped his bid for a second term following a disastrous debate performance in June last year. He was replaced as the Democratic nominee by then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to President Donald Trump.

Questions have been raised about the Biden administration and campaign’s transparency about Biden’s age and cognitive ability. An upcoming book alleges White House aides covered up Biden’s physical and mental decline. However, there is no current indication publicly available that Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer during his tenure as president.

Biden’s office said the former president was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.

White House Addresses Trump Health After Viral Photos Spark Speculation

By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns over President Donald Trump’s health during a briefing on Thursday after photographs of his hand appearing bruised and his ankles appearing swollen went viral.

“I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president’s hand, and also swelling in the president’s legs. So in the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today,” began Leavitt before reading from the note:

In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House Medical Unit. The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type, natriotic, peptide, and cardiac biomarkers. All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed, and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.

Additionally, recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking, and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy, and the president remains in excellent health.

“Which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,” added Leavitt. “So the president wanted me to share that note with all of you. I’m happy to take further questions on it. We will provide the memorandum from the president’s physician to all of you, as we always do.

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Republican Congressman Hospitalized In Car Accident

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Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) has reportedly been hospitalized after a car accident.

Baird is responsive and in stable condition, Fox News reported.

Baird’s hospitalization came moments after it was announced House GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) had suddenly passed away at age 65.

LaMalfa represented part of California and was chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.

“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children,” Emmer said.

His death brings House Republicans’ majority down to 218 to 213. 

Trump Aide Faints On Stage During Republican Gala

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Photo via Pixabay images

An adviser to President-elect Trump’s campaign, Alex Bruesewitz, passed out and collapsed as he was speaking onstage during a New York Young Republican Club gala Sunday night.

Alex Bruesewitz, 27, was introducing incoming White House senior aide Dan Scavino inside a venue in Manhattan when he began stumbling over his words and fainted, video on social media shows.

Watch:

Several people quickly rushed to help after his collapse. It was not immediately clear what caused him to faint.

“I talked to our friend Alex Bruesewitz and you know what he said to me? He goes ‘Did I at least look cool?’ I said Alex, you used gravity like I’ve seen nobody use gravity before in their lives,” Kassam said. “But he’s recuperating back there, so give him a big cheer so he’ll hear you.”

Trump also said following the collapse that he believes Bruesewitz will be fine, according to the New York Post.

“I know that Alex is going to be fine because he’s a tough son of a gun,” Trump said. “There’s no doubt about that. So I want to say hello to Alex, because he’s a very special guy.”

Bruesewitz is the CEO of consultancy firm X Strategies LLC, which states its mission to help elect “America First” candidates. Its website says he is “a prominent political consultant and strategist known for his unwavering support of President Donald Trump and the America First agenda.”

Before his collapse, Bruesewitz commended the New York Republican Club for backing Trump’s campaign. He also gave shout-outs to several supporters of the incoming president who were at the event, including former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who recently resigned from his U.S. House seat.

Senate Votes To Confirm Health and Human Services Secretary

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Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) following weeks of debate over his nomination.

Once again, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) stood alone as the only Republican to vote against President Trump’s nominee. McConnell opposed Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence (DNI).

The confirmation process was marked by intense scrutiny of Kennedy’s record and policy positions. The Senate Finance Committee advanced his nomination last Tuesday with a narrow 14-13 vote.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician and key swing vote, played a decisive role in moving Kennedy’s nomination forward. Cassidy, who has represented Louisiana in the Senate since 2014, broke with some in his party to support the nominee.

The full Senate advanced Kennedy’s nomination on Wednesday following a successful cloture vote of 53 to 47.

During his confirmation process, Kennedy worked to distance himself from past remarks that raised doubts about vaccine safety.

Despite the controversy, he managed to secure enough backing from Republicans to push his nomination forward.

As head of HHS, Kennedy will oversee federal health policy, including responses to public health crises, health care regulations and medical research funding. His tenure is expected to bring significant policy debates, particularly regarding vaccine policy, regulatory oversight and public health initiatives.

With Kennedy now confirmed, all eyes will be on how he navigates key health policy challenges in the months ahead.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Biden Cancer Diagnosis Spurs White House Coverup Accusations

Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

The news of former President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves across America.

Biden’s team announced Sunday that he’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had already metastasized to the bone, adding his family would examine suitable treatment for the “management” of the disease.

The shocking news comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding the Bidens potential coverup of former President Biden’s mental and physical decline while in office.

On Monday, Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) accused the Biden White House of a “political cover up” and lashed out at Biden’s then-White House doctor, though not by name, and accused the physician of having failed to deliver “world class care” to Biden and engaging in a “cover up.”

President Donald Trump posted a message to his Truth Social app on Sunday from himself and First Lady Melania Trump expressing their sympathy and well-wishes for Biden, after it was announced that the former president is battling very serious prostate cancer.

Trump Jr. likewise initially offered an expression of sympathy, by way of reposting a message on his account at X.

Sharing a screenshot that included the message “Politics aside, we wish [President Biden] a speedy recover,” Trump Jr. commented “Agreed 100%.”

In another post three hours later which also included a screenshot, Trump Jr. had a more critical take on the tragic news.

His screenshot showed a message on the nature of Biden’s particular cancer, and calling into question the timeline of when Democrats, or at least the White House, knew about it.

“What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” he said, with a sarcastic jab at former First Lady Jill Biden.

The hosts of Fox & Friends were in disbelief Monday morning at Joe Biden’s advanced cancer diagnosis despite the “fantastic medical care” that he receives as a former president.

“These are the types of things you look for when you get older,” Kilmeade added. “And very curious to see and somewhat discouraging to think someone could have this type of medical attention and have this get to this point.”

Co-host Charles Hurt added: “Especially because it’s a fairly advanced form so much so that it has metastasized to a bone. And you would think that would give you a lot more time to catch it.”

Later in the show, the curvy couch welcomed Fox News medical expert Dr. Marc Siegel, who echoed their surprise.

“Really, really surprising that it’s this advanced at the time of diagnosis,” he said. “Now, you can miss prostate cancer but most of the time regular screening picks it up. A sitting president I would expect to have advanced screening should not be subject to debate what kind of screening.”

Tulsi Gabbard Provides Update On Husband’s Condition

Outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared an encouraging update Thursday on her husband’s battle with a rare form of bone cancer, revealing that a major surgery to remove the tumor was successful.

Gabbard said her husband, Abraham Williams, recently underwent a nearly seven-hour operation after being diagnosed with sacral chordoma, an extremely rare cancer that forms in the bones of the spine and skull base.

“The surgery to remove bone and surrounding tissue lasted almost seven hours and was successful,” Gabbard wrote in a post on X.

“He had a rough night and is in a lot of pain, but is finally home resting.”

The Trump administration official said the family is now focused on the recovery process.

“Now recovery begins. We’re so grateful for the outpouring of prayers and kind messages from all of you. Our hearts are full,” Gabbard added.

According to Mayo Clinic research, sacral chordoma is a rare, slow-growing bone cancer that most commonly develops along the spine. While considered slow-growing, the disease can be difficult to treat because of its location, and surgery is often the primary treatment option.

Before the procedure, Gabbard shared a heartfelt message thanking supporters for their prayers.

“We are humbled and so grateful to be surrounded by aloha during this really tough time,” she wrote.

The update comes just weeks after Gabbard announced she would step down from her position in the Trump administration to support her husband through the difficult battle ahead. (RELATED: Tulsi Gabbard Resigning As National Intelligence Director)

“My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer,” Gabbard wrote in May. “He faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”

President Donald Trump praised Gabbard following her resignation announcement, saying she had done “an incredible job” serving in his administration.

Vice President JD Vance also voiced support for the former Hawaii congresswoman.

“I’m sorry to see her go, but certainly understand that family comes first,” Vance said. “She and her husband Abraham will be in my prayers as they face this next challenge together, and she has my gratitude for being a great addition to the administration and a loyal confidante. Godspeed Tulsi!”

Gabbard’s final day in office is expected to be June 30.

The White House has also tapped Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William J. “Bill” Pulte to assume Gabbard’s intelligence role following her departure.

Gabbard, a former Democrat congresswoman from Hawaii, became one of the most prominent political converts of the 2024 election cycle when she endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign and later joined his administration.

Tulsi Gabbard Shares Hopeful Update on Husband’s Rare Cancer Battle

Tulsi Gabbard via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared an emotional but hopeful update on her husband’s battle with an extraordinarily rare form of bone cancer, revealing that doctors believe they successfully removed all cancerous tissue during surgery.

In a three-minute video posted to X, Gabbard opened up about the grueling operation and difficult recovery her husband, Abraham Williams, has endured since being diagnosed with sacral chordoma earlier this year.

“A few weeks after the surgery was done, the pathologist and the doctors said that they are confident that they were able to cut out all of the cancerous bone and tissue,” Gabbard said, according to Fox News.

Nearly three months after the operation, Williams is now participating in what Gabbard described as a “very rigorous physical therapy program.”

“He gets frustrated a lot because he wants to be able to make progress faster, and sometimes he’s pushed a little bit too far, but overall, Abraham is progressing very well,” she said.

Still, Gabbard cautioned that the couple’s ordeal is far from finished.

“The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet,” she said.

Williams will require frequent MRI scans to monitor whether the cancer returns in the same location or spreads elsewhere.

Sacral chordoma is a slow-growing cancer that forms near the base of the spine. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately one in every million people worldwide is diagnosed with chordoma each year. Surgery is the preferred treatment when possible, but removing the entire tumor can be difficult because of its proximity to nerves, blood vessels and other critical tissue.

Gabbard said Williams was given a choice between radiation and an invasive operation requiring surgeons to remove part of his sacrum and tailbone. The couple opted for surgery.

The nearly eight-hour procedure was successful, but the immediate aftermath was harrowing.

As Williams emerged from heavy anesthesia, his body reacted severely to the drugs. Gabbard recalled that he repeatedly insisted on trying to walk—with the assistance of nurses—even as he became sick.

“He would take a few steps. He would throw up as he was trying to walk around, but he kept going,” she said.

Williams also declined narcotic pain medication, forcing him to push through the intense postoperative pain with other forms of treatment, Gabbard said.

The diagnosis prompted Gabbard to resign from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in May so she could support her husband throughout his treatment. Her departure became effective June 30.

“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote in her resignation letter.

In Thursday’s video, Gabbard thanked God, Williams’ medical team and the countless people who sent prayers and well wishes during the family’s ordeal.

“We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength,” she said.

The deeply personal message ended with Williams stepping into view and wrapping his wife in a tight embrace.

“Love you, darlin’,” he told her.

“I love you,” Gabbard replied.

Letitia James Sues Federal Government

The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) sued the federal government Tuesday, arguing that a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy unlawfully ties major federal funding streams to compliance with the Trump administration’s new restrictions on gender-related medical care for minors.

The lawsuit challenges an HHS policy that, according to the attorneys general, conditions billions of dollars in health, education and research funding on compliance with a presidential executive order addressing sex and gender-related treatments.

Fox News reports:

“The federal government is trying to force states to choose between their values and the vital funding their residents depend on,” James said in a statement. “This policy threatens healthcare for families, life-saving research, and education programs that help young people thrive in favor of denying the dignity and existence of transgender people.”

The dispute stems from President Donald Trump’s January 2025 executive order directing HHS to take steps to curb what the administration calls “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children. President Trump has made limits on transgender-related medical care for minors a central part of his second-term domestic agenda.

NYC Public Advocate Tish James via Wikimedia Commons

Last month, HHS announced a sweeping package of proposed regulatory actions aimed at ending what it described as “sex-rejecting procedures” for minors. In guidance accompanying the announcement, the department warned that doctors and health systems could be excluded from federal health programs — including Medicare and Medicaid — if they provide treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender surgeries to minors.

James’ lawsuit argues that the federal government is using funding leverage to pressure states, hospitals, universities, and other institutions to change policies on transgender care.

The attorneys general also claim HHS lacks legal authority to impose the conditions and is attempting to rewrite federal law through executive action. They argue the policy is vague and fails to spell out what recipients must do to remain compliant, creating uncertainty for states and institutions that rely on federal dollars.

Failure to comply with the policy could lead to termination of grants, repayment of funds already spent, or potential civil or criminal penalties, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit asks a federal court to declare the policy unlawful and block HHS from enforcing it, allowing states and institutions to continue receiving federal funding without changing existing policies.

The legal fight also adds to the long-running political and courtroom clash between Trump and James. James has positioned herself as one of the country’s most aggressive state-level opponents of Trump, repeatedly using New York’s legal powers to pursue high-profile cases involving his businesses and allies. Trump has frequently accused James of pursuing politically motivated investigations.

Trump officials have defended the executive order as a child-protection measure and a pushback against what they say is ideological medicine being imposed through federal agencies and school systems.

The case is expected to intensify a national debate already playing out in Congress and state legislatures, where Republican-led states have moved to restrict or ban gender-related treatments for minors, while Democrat-led states have expanded protections and access.

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