Capitol Hill is in an uproar. One of their own has fallen.
And now this U.S. Congresswoman gets rushed into emergency surgery.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the 84-year-old former House Speaker, required hip surgery on Saturday after a fall in Europe, once again raising questions about her physical frailty as she clings to political life.
Pelosi reportedly broke her hip while wearing high heels and tumbling down the stairs at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg.
The incident happened while she was abroad with a bipartisan Congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
Her office quickly attempted to assure the public, calling it a “successful hip replacement” and claiming Pelosi was “well on the mend.”
“Pelosi is grateful to U.S. military staff at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center at Landstuhl Army Base and medical staff at Hospital Kirchberg in Luxembourg for their excellent care and kindness,” her office said.
“Pelosi is enjoying the overwhelming outpouring of prayers and well wishes and is ever determined to ensure access to quality health care for all Americans.”
The fall came just moments after a group photo with lawmakers and officials, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
A photo posted by the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg shows Pelosi in high heels, holding onto House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul’s (R-TX) hand — perhaps a sign of how unsteady she already was before the accident.
We welcome @nasa Bill Nelson and Members of Congress to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg and Belgium. The sacrifices of brave #WWII soldiers echo from the past, reminding us that each generation must continue the fight for freedom and… pic.twitter.com/ae50RVceWL
— U.S. Embassy Luxembourg (@USEmbLuxembourg) December 13, 2024
Pelosi’s office tried to spin the mishap, adding:
“She continues to work and regrets that she is unable to attend the remainder of the CODEL engagements to honor the courage of our service members during one of the greatest acts of American heroism in our nation’s history.”
The statement went on to emphasize Pelosi’s gratitude to WWII veterans and the people of Luxembourg, though her absence now forces others to pick up the slack on the trip she can no longer attend.
Pelosi, described as “personally and officially honored” to travel with the delegation, highlighted the connections some members have to World War II veterans.
Yet her latest health scare underscores growing concerns about the aging Democratic leadership’s ability to perform their duties.
With her frailty now on full display, questions are sure to follow about whether Pelosi’s political career, like her stumble in Luxembourg, is nearing its inevitable fall.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
