Social Media Outcry Over GOP Congresswoman Living in Retirement Facility Sparks Calls for Term Limits

The revelation that Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, has been living in a memory care facility and experiencing rapid cognitive decline has ignited a heated debate on social media.

Critics from across the political spectrum, including high-profile figures like Elon Musk, have weighed in on the issue, with many calling for term limits and questioning the judgment of her staff and associates.

Elon Musk, a billionaire and key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, voiced his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Maybe we should have some basic cognitive test for elected officials? This is getting crazy…” His comment reflected a growing sentiment that age-related issues among politicians are becoming a significant concern.

Angela Morabito, a former Department of Education press secretary, accused Granger’s staff of negligence. “WOW: Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), who hasn’t voted on a bill in six months, has been living in a nursing home in secret.

Records show she has a staff of 25. If any of them knew—and it would be hard not to know—they are complicit,” Morabito posted on X.

Former Texas state representative Jonathan Stickland expressed sympathy for Granger while condemning those around her. “Six years ago, it was obvious she had serious memory issues. Her friends, family, and staff lied to her, failed to protect her, and left her in office for their own benefit. Be mad at them. Praying for peace for Rep. Granger,” Stickland shared.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, described the situation as a “compelling case for term limits.” California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna echoed this sentiment, decrying what he called Congress’s “sclerotic gerontocracy.” Khanna wrote, “Kay Granger’s long absence reveals the problem with a Congress that rewards seniority and relationships more than merit and ideas. We need term limits and to get big money out of politics, so a new generation of Americans can run and serve.”

The news about Granger first broke through the Dallas Express, which reported her residency in a Texas memory care facility. Granger, who is 81, did not seek re-election and is retiring at the end of her term next month. However, her extended absence from the Capitol, including missing over 54% of votes this year, has raised eyebrows.

Progressive journalist Ken Klippenstein pointed to footage from earlier in 2024, where Granger stumbled over her words while reading from a prepared script on the House floor. “The claim that no one knew about congresswoman Kay Granger’s dementia is laughable. This is painful to watch,” Klippenstein wrote, sharing the video.

Granger stepped down from her role on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal government funding, and cast her last vote on July 24. Critics argue that her cognitive decline should have prompted earlier intervention by her staff and colleagues.

This controversy has revived comparisons to President Joe Biden, whose own cognitive fitness was frequently scrutinized during his presidency.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal claim that White House staff noticed Biden’s fading stamina and increasing confusion within months of his term, with allegations of efforts to conceal his condition from the public.

Kylie Jane Kremer, executive director of Women for America First, commented, “Not just leadership but all colleagues that were aware. Just as we are outraged about Biden, there should be equal outrage about Kay Granger.”

The calls for term limits have grown louder, with figures from both sides of the aisle urging systemic changes to address the age and cognitive abilities of elected officials.

Whether the Granger story will lead to concrete reforms remains uncertain, but it has undeniably highlighted concerns about the accountability and transparency of lawmakers and their teams.