An 80-year-old United States congressman and his wife have been rushed to hospital following what has been described as a "pretty bad" car crash.
Trump Reveals Accident Details to GOP Lawmakers
President Donald Trump disclosed the incident involving Republican Representative Jim Baird during a speech to GOP members at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. Trump confirmed the Indiana lawmaker and his spouse are expected to recover, stating, "They're going to be OK, but they had a pretty bad accident, and we're praying that they get out of that hospital very quickly."
The President added reassuringly, "He's going to be fine. She's going to be fine." A spokesperson for Baird's congressional office has not yet responded to requests for further comment on the crash or the couple's precise medical status.
Baird's Background and a Sombre Context for Republicans
Jim Baird, aged 80, represents west central Indiana and was first elected to Congress in 2019. News of his accident arrives during a difficult period for House Republicans, who are mourning the death of California Representative Doug LaMalfa. Combined with the resignation of Georgia's Marjorie Taylor Greene, these developments have narrowed the Republican majority in the House to a slender 218 seats against the Democrats' 213.
The incident also casts a shadow in Baird's home state, where tragedy struck in 2022. Indiana US Representative Jackie Walorski, a Republican, was killed in a head-on collision in her district, alongside two staff members and the driver of the other vehicle.
Recovery and Political Implications
While the primary focus remains on the health and recovery of Congressman Baird and his wife, the accident underscores the fragility of political majorities. The absence of even a single member can significantly impact legislative agendas and voting power in a closely divided chamber.
The political community, particularly within the GOP, will be watching closely for updates on Baird's condition, hoping for his swift return to Capitol Hill. For now, colleagues and constituents are offering their support and prayers for the couple's full and speedy recovery.
