Mitch McConnell’s office is trying to calm growing speculation about his condition, but its latest attempt may have only made things worse.

The 84-year-old Kentucky senator has not been seen publicly in more than six weeks after being hospitalized on June 14. Since then, his office has released only two photos of him, both showing McConnell seated in similar poses with his wife, Elaine Chao, beside him.

Now, the newest image is being picked apart online, with critics arguing it does little to prove McConnell is well enough to return to public life.

The photo, released Monday, shows McConnell smiling at the camera while wearing a button-down shirt as Chao holds his arm. It closely resembles the first photo his office released on July 12, which was also meant to quiet rumors about his health.

Instead, the second photo triggered another wave of questions.

“Sorry but staged photos in which McConnell is propped up in a variety of different colored business shirts is not proof of life,” gun violence prevention activist Shannon Watts wrote on X.

Former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer also questioned why the senator has not appeared on video.

“The fact that he won’t talk to a reporter or even do a video is pretty telling,” Pfeiffer wrote.

George Conway, the former Republican and ex-husband of Kellyanne Conway, agreed, writing, “Five seconds of video is all it would take.”

Democratic strategist Mike Nellis also said the new photo raised more questions than it answered.

“If McConnell is doing a ‘strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation,’ then presumably they could release a photo or video of it to prove what they’re saying,” Nellis wrote. “This latest photo and statement just raise more questions about why he can’t do something as basic as call a reporter or post a proof-of-life video.”

The skepticism was not limited to Democrats.

Some MAGA voters mocked the photo by comparing the situation to Weekend at Bernie’s, the 1989 comedy about a dead man being propped up to appear alive.

Conservative influencer Gunther Eagleman, who had already criticized the earlier McConnell photo, wrote to his 1.7 million followers that “Mitch McConnell is still missing” and claimed his staff “refuses to tell us where he is or how he is doing.”

Other conservative users questioned the image itself.

“That doesn’t look anything like Mitch,” one self-described “conservative patriot” wrote.

“Is Mitch McConnell at the fountain of youth?” another asked.

“How is it possible he looks better after nearly flatlining? Why no video, Mitch?” another user posted.

Along with the photo, McConnell’s office released a new statement attributed to the senator, as well as a statement from the office of the attending physician.

The medical statement, which was unsigned, said McConnell has been undergoing “a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation,” including multiple daily sessions meant to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls.

However, the statement also said McConnell has “not yet” been medically cleared to leave the rehabilitation facility or return to the office.

The lack of public appearances has fueled additional scrutiny. According to the Daily Beast, unmarked Capitol Police SUVs have been seen for days parked outside the hospital. One vehicle was reportedly still there Monday after McConnell’s statement was released, while another had moved but left behind a bright orange cone reserving its spot.

The Daily Beast said it reached out multiple times to the White House asking whether the president has had any contact with McConnell since his hospitalization, and whether there are concerns about his prolonged absence as the administration pushes for the SAVE Act. The White House had not responded.

McConnell’s absence has already had political consequences. He has missed dozens of Senate votes, including votes on an Iran war powers resolution, judicial nominations, housing affordability measures and other key issues.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said he has spoken with McConnell several times. A few other Senate Republicans, along with former McConnell staffer and commentator Scott Jennings, have also said the senator is recovering.

Still, many Republican senators have avoided saying much publicly about McConnell’s condition. Others have called for more transparency as the senator’s absence stretches on.

Over the weekend, longtime McConnell staffer David Popp said the senator continues to work with staff on Senate and Kentucky business, including defense appropriations, foreign policy, the farm bill, constituent services and federal grant requests.

But for many online critics, statements and carefully posed photos are no longer enough.

The demand now is simple: show video.