LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg — Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent a “successful” hip replacement surgery on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after sustaining an injury during an official engagement in Luxembourg, her office confirmed.
Pelosi, 84, was admitted to a hospital in Luxembourg following a fall on the stairs, according to three sources familiar with the incident.
While her office declined to elaborate on the specifics of the injury, Pelosi was moved to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, a major US military hospital renowned for treating combat-injured troops.
“Nancy Pelosi is well on the mend after a successful hip replacement surgery,” said Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi’s office.
“She is receiving excellent care from doctors and medical professionals.”
Injury During Official Engagement
Pelosi was in Luxembourg as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
“While traveling with a bipartisan Congressional delegation in Luxembourg to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sustained an injury during an official engagement and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” Krager said Friday.
Despite her hospitalisation, Pelosi has continued working remotely.
“She regrets that she is unable to attend the remainder of the CODEL engagements to honour the courage of our servicemembers during one of the greatest acts of American heroism in our nation’s history,” Krager added.
Pelosi is expected to return to the United States soon, her office confirmed.
Recent Incidents Among Congressional Leaders
Pelosi’s fall comes just days after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, tripped and fell at the US Capitol, sustaining a minor cut to his face and spraining his wrist.
McConnell’s spokesperson said he was “cleared to resume his schedule” shortly after the incident.
The back-to-back injuries to two of the oldest and most senior members of Congress have renewed attention on the physical demands placed on lawmakers of advanced age.
A Legacy of Leadership
Pelosi, who was first elected to Congress in 1987, remains a pivotal figure in American politics.
She stepped down from House Democratic leadership in 2022 but has continued to represent California’s 11th district.
Her career has spanned decades of legislative achievements, including her tenure as the first female speaker of the House.
While Pelosi recovers from surgery, her office has emphasised her commitment to public service and her gratitude for the medical care she has received.
