Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Friday that he believes there is a "cover-up" surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell's prolonged hospitalization, arguing the lack of public information has fueled distrust even as Republican leaders insist they have spoken with the Kentucky senator.
McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14. His office has said only that he is "receiving excellent care," later adding that he "continues to improve" and is working with staff on Senate and Kentucky matters while the Senate is out of session.
On "Finnerty," Burchett compared the lack of transparency surrounding McConnell's condition to criticism Republicans leveled at the Biden administration over former President Joe Biden's health.
"It's just a cover-up, on top of a cover-up," Burchett said. "That's why nobody trusts what's going on in Washington. This whole thing is a farce."
He added: "How can you be critical of Joe Biden wandering around the White House not knowing, looking for the soft-serve ice cream machine for four years when you can't be critical of this? So yeah, it's in our own party."
Host Rob Finnerty asked Burchett whether he believed "something's going on with Mitch McConnell and this is being covered up."
"I do, and you're never going to get the right answer," Burchett said. "You've got staffers ... because, look, staff still wants to be employed. They run these big offices."
Questions about McConnell's health have intensified after CNN obtained video showing emergency responders placing him on a stretcher on June 14 outside his Washington home. Public EMS dispatch audio from that morning indicated responders were treating an unconscious person in cardiac arrest at McConnell's address, though his office has neither confirmed nor denied that the calls involved the senator.
Burchett also acknowledged conflicting reports about McConnell's condition.
"I sure do, but there's also legitimate people saying they've talked to him on the phone," he said when asked whether he believes unverified online claims regarding the senator's health. "Where are they talking to him on the phone? I don't know. I just think this thing just stinks."
His remarks came despite Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and CNN political commentator Scott Jennings all saying they had recently spoken with McConnell by telephone and found him engaged and discussing Senate business.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com