Maga Senator, 73, Swears He Had No Stroke on Fox

A Senator’s Return to TV After a Technical Mishap

A Republican senator, known for his strong support of the Trump administration and his folksy remarks, recently made a return to a live television interview after an unexpected moment that left many viewers concerned. The incident occurred during a segment on the Fox Business Network, where Senator John Kennedy, now among the 10 oldest senators at 73 years old, appeared to freeze mid-sentence.

During the interview, Kennedy was speaking on the show when he suddenly stopped talking, leaving the audience in suspense. The moment sparked speculation about his health, with some outlets suggesting more serious issues, such as a stroke or other medical conditions. However, Kennedy addressed these concerns directly in a follow-up appearance on the same show just days later.

On Wednesday, Kennedy took the opportunity to reassure viewers that he was in good health. He mentioned that some media outlets had spread unverified stories about his condition, including claims that he had experienced a "brain freeze" or even contracted a sexually transmitted disease during the broadcast. These rumors, he said, were unfounded.

The host of the show, Larry Kudlow, acknowledged the unusual moment during the interview. He explained that the pause was due to a technical issue involving Kennedy's earpiece, which is part of the interruptible fold back (IFB) system used by on-air guests. This system allows guests to hear instructions from the production crew through an earpiece. Kudlow suggested that the problem was likely caused by a broken wire, resulting in a loud noise that disrupted the conversation.

Kennedy confirmed this explanation, describing the moment as one where his earpiece "blew up," making it impossible for him to hear Kudlow. He added that he simply stopped talking until he could regain communication. A spokesperson for the network later confirmed that the incident was indeed due to an IFB malfunction.

This situation was not entirely unique. Earlier in the week, another senator, Rand Paul, had also appeared on the same show and faced a similar issue. During his segment, Paul reportedly couldn’t hear the host, but unlike Kennedy, the camera did not cut away from him. Instead, Paul continued speaking, maintaining his composure throughout the technical difficulty.

Kennedy, who has a reputation for delivering memorable soundbites, used his return to the show to add a bit of humor to the situation. He jokingly offered to perform an “old man backflip” for Kudlow, showing that he was in high spirits despite the mishap.

While the senator insisted that the freezing moment was purely technical, the event brought back memories of another senator, Mitch McConnell, who had similar episodes in 2023. McConnell, now 83 years old, stepped down as Senate Minority Leader in 2024 and announced he would not seek re-election.

Looking ahead, Kennedy remains a prominent figure in the Senate, known for his strong stance on immigration policies and his association with the Trump administration. His next opportunity to run for re-election will come in 2028, should he choose to pursue it.

In addition to the technical issue, the moment also highlighted a recurring phrase that Kennedy has used in the past. At the time of the freeze, he seemed to be in the middle of saying that Jesus loves the mayors of sanctuary cities, but "everyone else thinks they’re idiots." This idiom has been used by Kennedy to describe various political figures, including Michael Cohen.

Despite the unexpected interruption, Kennedy remained composed and used the opportunity to reaffirm his health and energy. His return to the show not only addressed concerns but also showcased his ability to handle unexpected situations with humor and grace.