Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) gave an extended pause during an on-air interview Tuesday when he broke off mid-sentence and stopped talking.
Kennedy, 73, conducted a televised interview to discuss President Donald Trump’s intent to “double down” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement moving into sanctuary cities. The senator said the United States “clearly” has some sanctuary cities and mayors refusing to follow federal law.
“I’m not saying they’re bad people. I’m sure Jesus loves them, but everybody else think… everybody else…” Kennedy said on Fox Business’s Kudlow before trailing off.
Host Larry Kudlow chalked the freeze up to “technical problems,” saying Kennedy was using the same microphone that had issues with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). Kudlow interviewed Paul just before Kennedy’s interview, during which Paul said he lost connection during their discussion.
Kennedy returned on air roughly 20 seconds after his freeze, saying mayors cannot break federal law and “we’re going to have to do something about it.” He concluded his interview by stating, “I can’t hear a word you’re saying, mate.”
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The Washington Examiner has contacted Kennedy’s office for comment.
Former Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 83, froze for about 30 seconds while speaking at a press conference in August 2023. The senator also fell down after a Senate vote in February.
Shortly after McConnell’s fall, he announced he would not seek reelection in 2026.