Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York (D) made headlines after he had a medical scare earlier this week, which was reportedly related to the brutal heat affecting many parts of the U.S., including Washington D.C.

According to Fox News, Schumer was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after he reportedly became "lightheaded" after working out at the gym, his office confirmed. 

The Senate Minority Leader was apparently suffering from dehydration, according to his office, and was taken to the hospital "out of an abundance of caution."

Parts of the East Coast, in addition to other sectors of the country, have experienced extreme heat over the past week, with temps soaring into the upper 90s and heat indices crossing one hundred degrees.

What happened?

Schumer's office released a statement after the Senate Democratic leader was taken to a Washington D.C. hospital.

"Leader Schumer was at the Senate gym this morning and got lightheaded," Schumer's office told Fox News. "Out of an abundance of caution, he went to the hospital to be treated for dehydration and is now back at work in the Capitol."

Senator Chuck Schumer had to be taken to the hospital because it was too hot outside for him.

He’s fine now.

But you know what they say…

If it’s too hot in the kitchen, retire from the Senate. pic.twitter.com/ZPbhiF6EHL

— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) June 25, 2025

Fox News noted:

Schumer's office said the senator wanted to remind everyone "to drink some water and stay out of the heat."

The Washington D.C. Homeland Security & Emergency Management warned people about the dangers of the extreme heat and issued a warning this week to residents and workers in the area.

"Extreme Heat Alert for DC: Until 8PM Today. Daytime temperatures will feel like 105°F or hotter. Drink water. Stay cool," the agency wrote on its X account.

Social media reacts

Social media users weighed in on Schumer's hospitalization, with most of them mocking the situation pretty hard.

"Hope it wasn't those burgers he cooks," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "like the rest of them he will only retire feet first and even then his staff will keep him on ice until they install a replacement..."

It'll be interesting to see if anyone else falls victim to the heat.