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Desirée Townsend

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Evidentiary Journalist: Building the Record Capitol Hill | Hollywood Tips: [email protected]

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Sen. Mitch McConnell leaves the Senate after casting his vote in the Senate Agriculture Committee this afternoon.

Sen. Mitch McConnell leaves the Senate after casting his vote in the Senate Agriculture Committee this afternoon.

5,796,038 Aufrufe

Senator Chuck Grassley has not ruled out another run for the U.S. Senate in 2028. Grassley, who just turned 93, would be 95 years old on Election Day, and 101 if he were elected and completed another six-year term.

Senator Chuck Grassley has not ruled out another run for the U.S. Senate in 2028. Grassley, who just turned 93, would be 95 years old on Election Day, and 101 if he were elected and completed another six-year term.

441,292 Aufrufe

Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Senior Communications Adviser Robert Steurer is present today on Capitol Hill. We have not yet seen Sen. McConnell or his security detail here at the Capitol, and at this point, it does not appear that he has left his D.C. home.

Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Senior Communications Adviser Robert Steurer is present today on Capitol Hill. We have not yet seen Sen. McConnell or his security detail here at the Capitol, and at this point, it does not appear that he has left his D.C. home.

235,007 Aufrufe

If Mitch McConnell is returning to the Senate floor today, it raises the question of why a home healthcare worker would be arriving just 20 minutes before the Senate convenes and approximately 2½ hours before the Senate is scheduled to vote.

If Mitch McConnell is returning to the Senate floor today, it raises the question of why a home healthcare worker would be arriving just 20 minutes before the Senate convenes and approximately 2½ hours before the Senate is scheduled to vote.

201,509 Aufrufe

When asked whether bringing Senator McConnell to the Senate is in the best interest of his legacy, Chief of Staff Terry Carmack offered no verbal response, but his expression spoke for itself.

When asked whether bringing Senator McConnell to the Senate is in the best interest of his legacy, Chief of Staff Terry Carmack offered no verbal response, but his expression spoke for itself.

58,112 Aufrufe

It’s possible he fell at home, including from a wheelchair. But based on how difficult it appeared for him to walk at the Senate, he was often using a wheelchair. That raises a question: what were the circumstances of the reported fall at home?

It’s possible he fell at home, including from a wheelchair. But based on how difficult it appeared for him to walk at the Senate, he was often using a wheelchair. That raises a question: what were the circumstances of the reported fall at home?

94,115 Aufrufe

Behind the scenes of Mitch McConnell leaving the Senate.

Behind the scenes of Mitch McConnell leaving the Senate.

39,359 Aufrufe

New video provided by Alysia McMillian gives us a glimpse into Senator Mitch McConnell’s health condition, with the appearance of two MCombo lift recliner chairs designed to help the elderly get in and out of a chair.

New video provided by Alysia McMillian gives us a glimpse into Senator Mitch McConnell’s health condition, with the appearance of two MCombo lift recliner chairs designed to help the elderly get in and out of a chair.

61,971 Aufrufe

Terry Carmack, Chief of Staff to Senator Mitch McConnell, refuses to answer questions about who holds power of attorney for the senator. A source with knowledge of the matter says Carmack may hold that authority.

Terry Carmack, Chief of Staff to Senator Mitch McConnell, refuses to answer questions about who holds power of attorney for the senator. A source with knowledge of the matter says Carmack may hold that authority.

23,784 Aufrufe

Day Six: Senator Mitch McConnell showed up to work for approximately one hour to cast his vote before returning home.

Day Six: Senator Mitch McConnell showed up to work for approximately one hour to cast his vote before returning home.

20,016 Aufrufe

Mitch McConnell’s senior adviser, David Popp, was recognized as one of The Hill’s 25 notable Capitol Hill staffers. Notable indeed, given that his boss is clearly not the same person we saw at the start of the 119th Congress. McConnell now smiles for the cameras and even flashes peace signs.

Mitch McConnell’s senior adviser, David Popp, was recognized as one of The Hill’s 25 notable Capitol Hill staffers. Notable indeed, given that his boss is clearly not the same person we saw at the start of the 119th Congress. McConnell now smiles for the cameras and even flashes peace signs.

21,261 Aufrufe

Day two of Attending Physician of Congress Dr. Brian Monahan leaving Senator Mitch McConnell’s D.C. residence. Video courtesy of Alysia McMillan.

Day two of Attending Physician of Congress Dr. Brian Monahan leaving Senator Mitch McConnell’s D.C. residence. Video courtesy of Alysia McMillan.

17,785 Aufrufe

It’s official, Redskins fans! We’ve secured our permit for Monday, May 18th at 6:00 PM EST for a special event hosted by former and current Washington Redskins band members, cheerleaders, and the family of Chief John Two Guns White Calf. Details at:

It’s official, Redskins fans! We’ve secured our permit for Monday, May 18th at 6:00 PM EST for a special event hosted by former and current Washington Redskins band members, cheerleaders, and the family of Chief John Two Guns White Calf. Details at:

30,925 Aufrufe

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The medical miracle that is Mitch McConnell is alive and well…

The medical miracle that is Mitch McConnell is alive and well…

Desirée Townsend

2,085,479 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

09/17/26: Sen. Mitch McConnell heads to the Senate for a vote on Day 4 of his return.

09/17/26: Sen. Mitch McConnell heads to the Senate for a vote on Day 4 of his return.

Desirée Townsend

1,342,639 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Senator Mitch McConnell has now been hospitalized for three weeks. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, especially given that his wife, Elaine Chao, appeared in China just days after his hospitalization to meet with high-ranking Chinese officials. The question now is about national security: if Senator McConnell has been unable to independently perform his duties, what safeguards exist to ensure classified intelligence briefings, defense appropriations information, or other sensitive congressional matters could not be accessed, discussed, or shared by individuals operating behind the scenes? And given the timing of Chao’s meeting with China’s vice president, what exactly was discussed?

Senator Mitch McConnell has now been hospitalized for three weeks. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, especially given that his wife, Elaine Chao, appeared in China just days after his hospitalization to meet with high-ranking Chinese officials. The question now is about national security: if Senator McConnell has been unable to independently perform his duties, what safeguards exist to ensure classified intelligence briefings, defense appropriations information, or other sensitive congressional matters could not be accessed, discussed, or shared by individuals operating behind the scenes? And given the timing of Chao’s meeting with China’s vice president, what exactly was discussed?

Desirée Townsend

3,303,359 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Felipe M., Mitch McConnell’s driver, arrives at McConnell’s home here in Washington, D.C.

Felipe M., Mitch McConnell’s driver, arrives at McConnell’s home here in Washington, D.C.

Desirée Townsend

888,655 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Senator McConnell was just wheeled out a little after 4 p.m. to head to his office ahead of the 5:30 p.m. roll call vote. He appeared somewhat confused by the rain and showed a delayed response, but still gave no verbal acknowledgment.

Senator McConnell was just wheeled out a little after 4 p.m. to head to his office ahead of the 5:30 p.m. roll call vote. He appeared somewhat confused by the rain and showed a delayed response, but still gave no verbal acknowledgment.

Desirée Townsend

360,748 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

It appears Sen. Mitch McConnell is still inside his D.C. home as of 12:53 p.m. The Senate convenes at 3 p.m. Now, with press surrounding both exits, the question is: Will he be able to get into a vehicle, which he will most likely need assistance getting into?

It appears Sen. Mitch McConnell is still inside his D.C. home as of 12:53 p.m. The Senate convenes at 3 p.m. Now, with press surrounding both exits, the question is: Will he be able to get into a vehicle, which he will most likely need assistance getting into?

Desirée Townsend

388,478 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Senator Mitch McConnell’s communications director, Stephanie Penn, refused to answer questions and simply smiled when asked whether it’s fair that she and other staffers continue to be paid while Kentuckians go without representation in the Senate.

Senator Mitch McConnell’s communications director, Stephanie Penn, refused to answer questions and simply smiled when asked whether it’s fair that she and other staffers continue to be paid while Kentuckians go without representation in the Senate.

Desirée Townsend

704,948 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

It could be a complete coincidence, but a large amount of furniture and other items from the small apartment next to Senator McConnell’s home is being loaded into a junk truck. The neighboring property, which appears to be connected to McConnell’s residence, also appears to be undergoing renovations. Stay tuned for more.

It could be a complete coincidence, but a large amount of furniture and other items from the small apartment next to Senator McConnell’s home is being loaded into a junk truck. The neighboring property, which appears to be connected to McConnell’s residence, also appears to be undergoing renovations. Stay tuned for more.

Desirée Townsend

507,792 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Remember this gem from May 13, 2026? Is it starting to make sense now? The bigger question is: Who was behind the staffer? Elaine Chao?

Remember this gem from May 13, 2026? Is it starting to make sense now? The bigger question is: Who was behind the staffer? Elaine Chao?

Desirée Townsend

512,010 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

This could just be a coincidence, but not long after the announcement that Senate Majority Leader John Thune had spoken with Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Secret Service arrived at GW Hospital.

This could just be a coincidence, but not long after the announcement that Senate Majority Leader John Thune had spoken with Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Secret Service arrived at GW Hospital.

Desirée Townsend

496,672 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

For any media organizations or journalists who want to use the clip, here is the C-SPAN footage showing Senate leaders John Barrasso and John Thune observing as a Senate staffer has to flag down Mitch McConnell’s handler to get McConnell to vote. McConnell’s handler then points down, appearing to direct McConnell on how to complete his vote.

For any media organizations or journalists who want to use the clip, here is the C-SPAN footage showing Senate leaders John Barrasso and John Thune observing as a Senate staffer has to flag down Mitch McConnell’s handler to get McConnell to vote. McConnell’s handler then points down, appearing to direct McConnell on how to complete his vote.

Desirée Townsend

197,830 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

This man just left Senator Mitch McConnell’s home in DC. He was tasked with checking on the home.

This man just left Senator Mitch McConnell’s home in DC. He was tasked with checking on the home.

Desirée Townsend

310,905 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Oh now the “press” jumps in. Where were you NBC News in the press gaggle while Senator McConnell’s health was declining for months?

Oh now the “press” jumps in. Where were you NBC News in the press gaggle while Senator McConnell’s health was declining for months?

Desirée Townsend

311,959 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

At 4:01 p.m., personnel from the Office of the Attending Physician enter Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office. At 4:03 p.m., McConnell is wheeled into his office. At 4:41 p.m., Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan leaves, and shortly thereafter, McConnell leaves as well.

At 4:01 p.m., personnel from the Office of the Attending Physician enter Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office. At 4:03 p.m., McConnell is wheeled into his office. At 4:41 p.m., Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan leaves, and shortly thereafter, McConnell leaves as well.

Desirée Townsend

115,615 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

U.S. Capitol Police have set up behind Sen. Mitch McConnell’s home, potentially allowing him to depart more discreetly through the rear entrance.

U.S. Capitol Police have set up behind Sen. Mitch McConnell’s home, potentially allowing him to depart more discreetly through the rear entrance.

Desirée Townsend

118,624 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Here is another bombshell Mitch McConnell clip from the June 4, 2026 vote-a-rama. In this clip, you can clearly see that John Thune and John Barrasso, two leaders of the Senate, were aware that Mitch McConnell was having difficulty voting and required assistance that evening from Senate staff and from McConnell’s handler, a man frequently seen wheeling him around Capitol Hill. Another interesting thing I observed throughout the vote-a-rama is that Thune and Barrasso did not appear to spend any meaningful amount of time speaking with McConnell. That makes the reports of their roughly 20-minute conversations with him while he was hospitalized particularly intriguing.

Here is another bombshell Mitch McConnell clip from the June 4, 2026 vote-a-rama. In this clip, you can clearly see that John Thune and John Barrasso, two leaders of the Senate, were aware that Mitch McConnell was having difficulty voting and required assistance that evening from Senate staff and from McConnell’s handler, a man frequently seen wheeling him around Capitol Hill. Another interesting thing I observed throughout the vote-a-rama is that Thune and Barrasso did not appear to spend any meaningful amount of time speaking with McConnell. That makes the reports of their roughly 20-minute conversations with him while he was hospitalized particularly intriguing.

Desirée Townsend

171,254 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

Day 29 of the hospitalization of Mitch McConnell and preparedness for the military and federal workforce: Military PCSing and the ATC raise.

Day 29 of the hospitalization of Mitch McConnell and preparedness for the military and federal workforce: Military PCSing and the ATC raise.

Desirée Townsend

247,537 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

The Office of the Attending Physician of Congress just arrived at George Washington University Hospital at approximately 12:21 p.m. I’m trying to understand why they’re back here. If Senator Mitch McConnell had been cleared for discharge, as stated, why would the Office of the Attending Physician be returning to the hospital?

The Office of the Attending Physician of Congress just arrived at George Washington University Hospital at approximately 12:21 p.m. I’m trying to understand why they’re back here. If Senator Mitch McConnell had been cleared for discharge, as stated, why would the Office of the Attending Physician be returning to the hospital?

Desirée Townsend

200,452 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

A Capitol Hill source sent me a Department of Energy hotline on S.1674, the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025, which is Senator Mitch McConnell’s bill. That raises an obvious question: if Senator McConnell is still at George Washington University Hospital, how did this legislation move forward? Do Senate staff have the authority to advance legislation like this on behalf of a senator? I followed up with Senator Mitch McConnell’s communications director, Stephanie Penn, hoping to get answers and a response to the questions raised in my previous video. Specifically: Where did this legislation come from, and how was it approved if the senator remains hospitalized? Stephanie Penn had no response and walked into Senator Katie Britt’s office.

A Capitol Hill source sent me a Department of Energy hotline on S.1674, the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025, which is Senator Mitch McConnell’s bill. That raises an obvious question: if Senator McConnell is still at George Washington University Hospital, how did this legislation move forward? Do Senate staff have the authority to advance legislation like this on behalf of a senator? I followed up with Senator Mitch McConnell’s communications director, Stephanie Penn, hoping to get answers and a response to the questions raised in my previous video. Specifically: Where did this legislation come from, and how was it approved if the senator remains hospitalized? Stephanie Penn had no response and walked into Senator Katie Britt’s office.

Desirée Townsend

168,132 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

Redskins are back and on a much better team! I filed multiple REDSKINS trademark applications at the USPTO on behalf of the family of Chief Two Guns. The applications are in my name, until I complete the legal lift of canceling the NFL’s abandoned marks through TTAB.

Redskins are back and on a much better team! I filed multiple REDSKINS trademark applications at the USPTO on behalf of the family of Chief Two Guns. The applications are in my name, until I complete the legal lift of canceling the NFL’s abandoned marks through TTAB.

Desirée Townsend

281,308 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten