SAVED BY THE EL

McConnell Aide Makes Elevator Escape From Health Questions

The senator is heading home after 53 days—but his staff still won’t say why he has not appeared on video.

A senior adviser to Mitch McConnell ducked into an elevator rather than answer a reporter’s questions about the senator’s condition.

David Popp on Thursday joined other McConnell staffers who have ignored Capitol Hill reporters’ inquiries about the 84-year-old senator.

McConnell’s office announced Thursday, that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation facility and was heading home, 53 days after he was hospitalized following what his office described as a fall and a subsequent case of pneumonia.

Later Thursday afternoon, reporter Nicholas Ballasy shared a video of himself asking Popp about McConnell. But Popp wouldn’t engage.

“David, can you tell us why Senator McConnell hasn’t put out a video yet?” Ballasy asks as Popp whirls away from him and into an open elevator. “What’s going on with the situation?”

Popp stays silent as the doors shut.

Popp has worked on Capitol Hill since 2005, according to LegiStorm, and first joined McConnell’s office in April 2016 as communications director. A senior adviser to the Kentucky senator since last January, Popp made over $224,000 in 2025.

Other McConnell staffers who have been mute under questioning, like communications director Stephanie Penn and senior communications adviser Robert Steurer, also made over $200,000.

In announcing his return home, McConnell said he would keep up his Senate work, but did not give a time frame for returning to voting.

“Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff,” his statement read.

MY$TERY

Missing Mitch’s Staff Is Still Raking in Six-Figure Salaries

Annabella Rosciglione

“On the advice of my doctors, I maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”

Before McConnell put out that statement, Senate Majority Leader John Thune didn’t answer when Ballasy asked whether McConnell’s vote would be needed in a committee or on the floor.

One crucial upcoming vote concerns the attorney general nomination of Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney. One Republican senator, Susan Collins, has already said she will oppose it. If McConnell remains absent for the vote, Blanche can only afford one more defection—assuming all Democrats reject his nomination.

The Daily Beast has contacted McConnell’s office for comment.

Play Video

See more of our coverage in your search results.

ADD THE DAILY BEAST ON GOOGLE

William VaillancourtReporter

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.