Fox News commentator Joe Concha has called on Senate Republican Mitch McConnell to either return to work or resign, after the 84-year-old senator has spent months out of public view following a serious fall. McConnell has not appeared publicly for more than 80 days, and the row highlights growing questions about ageing lawmakers' fitness to serve and the transparency of updates on their health, particularly as McConnell approaches the end of his final term.

McConnell was hospitalised on 14 June after a fall at home and returned there in early August, having since released only limited updates, including a photograph with his wife, Elaine Chao, which critics dubbed a "proof of life" image. Concha said McConnell "needs to get in front of a microphone" and prove he can do the job, warning he should step down if he fails to return when the Senate reconvenes on 14 September. Kentucky congressman James Comer said he expects McConnell back by then, though he has not spoken to him directly. McConnell, who is not seeking re-election, has faced repeated health scares in recent years, including public freezing episodes and falls in December 2024 and February 2025.