McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, saw no need for 'immediate return' from China as former GOP leader hospitalized

Elaine Chao remained in China to continue a planned trip while her husband, former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, was hospitalized for his third week in February 2026. Chao, the former Transportation Secretary, determined there was no need for an immediate return, according to reporting on her communications at the time. McConnell's office did not disclose the specific reason for his hospitalization.

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