Health and Politics: The Story of a Senior Senator
An 84‑year‑old former Senate leader was admitted to a hospital on Sunday. While his office confirmed the visit, no details about his illness have been released. A spokesperson noted that he remains active with staff and appreciates the care he receives.
Recent Health Incidents
| Month | Incident |
|---|---|
| February | Eight days of treatment for flu‑like symptoms |
| October | Fell at the Capitol while questioning immigration raids |
| December | Wrist injury from another fall |
| Previous month | Concussion after tripping on steps |
These events form a pattern of frequent health setbacks.
Political Stance After Stepping Down
After stepping down from the Senate’s top position in early 2025, he has become a vocal critic of former President Trump:
- Opposed the nomination of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary (January) – citing lack of understanding of China’s threat.
- Rejection as the sole Republican to:
- Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence chief
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary
His disagreements with Trump date back to the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, extending to clashes over tariff policies and U.S. policy on Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. A biography once described him as calling Trump a “despicable human being.”
Upcoming Retirement
He is expected to retire when his seventh Senate term ends in January, marking the end of a long and sometimes contentious political career.
