Senator John Kennedy, 73, of Louisiana experienced an apparent health scare during a live interview on Fox Business Tuesday, momentarily freezing on camera during a discussion with host Larry Kudlow.
While discussing former President Donald Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities, Kennedy began to make a point about immigration before abruptly trailing off. “Jesus loves them, but everybody else thinks,” he said, before falling into a seven-second silence, appearing unable to continue. Kudlow eventually interjected, attributing the pause to a technical issue, though Kennedy never resumed speaking.
The senator’s office has not released a statement addressing the incident, and a spokesperson did not respond to media inquiries. Interestingly, Kennedy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account remained active shortly after the interview, posting on unrelated topics.
Kennedy’s on-air freeze echoes similar moments involving aging members of Congress. In 2023, then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, now 82, experienced two widely publicized freezing episodes, sparking concerns over lawmakers’ health and fitness to serve. Capitol physicians later stated there was “no evidence” of stroke or seizure in McConnell’s case.
Ironically, Kennedy had downplayed McConnell’s incidents at the time, stating he should step down only “when donkeys fly.”
Kennedy, known for his sharp Southern wit and colorful rhetoric in Senate hearings, has not indicated whether he plans to run for re-election in 2028. He previously declined to enter the 2023 Louisiana governor’s race.
The episode adds to growing scrutiny around aging political leaders from both major parties. President Joe Biden’s cognitive sharpness and former President Donald Trump’s recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency have also fueled national debates about health and transparency in public office.
Written By Rodney Mbua
