Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) addressed Sen. Mitch McConnell’s lengthy absence on Monday amid rampant speculation on the condition of his health.CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked Beshear if he believes the photos released by McConnell’s office were an “accurate portrayal” of the senator’s condition. Beshear said he did not know.“It’s stoked even more speculation that’s out there. You know, only putting out two statements, not doing any interviews, not calling in when supposedly you’re talking to people, those are the types of signs that people see, and become increasingly concerned,” Beshear said.Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, are seen in a photo released by McConnell’s Senate office on Monday.Mitch McConnell's officeBeshear added he had not been given any timetable for McConnell’s potential return, and if the senator won’t provide a more definitive update on his condition, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) should take the lead. “I think that the Senate majority leader has a responsibility to ensure that all of the members have the capacity to serve,” Beshear said. Gov. Andy Beshear on Sen. McConnell: "Only putting out two statements, not doing any interviews, not calling in when supposedly you're talking to people, those are the types of signs that people see and become increasingly concerned. We don't have any timetable for when he might… pic.twitter.com/r1Um8pTggJ— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) July 29, 2026Addressing commenters online who demanded that Beshear travel to Washington, D.C., and “storm the hospital,” as he put it, the governor said Thune was already in D.C., and he should be the one giving the country a report on McConnell’s condition.Beshear then took a jab at CNN’s Scott Jennings, who has claimed to have had conversations with McConnell since his absence began. “Kaitlan, to be fair, Scott Jennings works for CNN; he can, on air, dial him up, put him on speakerphone and we can put all this speculation to rest,” Beshear said. McConnell released a statement on Monday, saying it was difficult for him to return to work because he was keeping up with the “intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders.” Relatedsenate CongressMitch McConnellKentuckyAndy Beshear