Senator John Fetterman’s mental health deterioration has reportedly worsened since his 2022 stroke, raising serious questions about his ability to serve as accusations emerge from former staffers and medical concerns mount alongside his unexpected pro-Israel stance.
At a Glance
- Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson expressed grave concerns about Fetterman’s mental health in a letter to his doctor, warning his behavior could be “life-threatening”
- Staff members described his behavior as volatile, frightening, and reported being advised against riding in cars with him due to dangerous driving
- Despite Democrats previously defending Fetterman’s cognitive abilities during his 2022 campaign, many are now questioning his fitness for office
- Critics suggest timing of renewed health concerns coincides with Fetterman’s strong pro-Israel stance, which breaks with progressive Democrats
- Fetterman’s wife Gisele has dismissed the reports as a “vendetta” against her husband’s medical journey
Alarming Staff Concerns Emerge
Adam Jentleson, who previously served as Senator John Fetterman’s chief of staff, sent a dire warning to the Pennsylvania Democrat’s physician in May of last year, expressing fear that the senator “won’t be with us for much longer” if his current health trajectory continues. The letter, recently revealed in reporting by The New York Times, paints a troubling picture of Fetterman’s mental state following his 2022 stroke and subsequent hospitalization for depression in 2023.
Former aides described his behavior as erratic, volatile, and at times frightening, with staff allegedly instructed to avoid riding in vehicles with the senator due to his dangerous driving habits.
The concerns extend beyond behavioral issues to medical compliance. According to Jentleson’s letter, Fetterman has not been seeing his doctors regularly as previously agreed. “He does not see his doctors,” Jentleson wrote. “I am not sure when he last saw a cardiologist, but I don’t think he’s seen one since he was released. He long ago ordered us to stop putting regular drop-bys with Dr. Monahan on his schedule, despite the fact that he had agreed to those as part of the plan.”
There are a lot of issues I disagree with @SenFettermanPA on. Always will be.
But his relentless & unapologetic support of Israel along with his bipartisan effort for mental health easily make him my favorite Democrat. https://t.co/zkfNa8sXjq
— U.S. Secretary of Common Sense (@ScottButtram) October 27, 2024
Political Shifts and Health Questions
Fetterman’s behavior reportedly worsened following his election victory, coinciding with what some describe as a rightward political shift. This change has proven controversial both within his household and among his Democratic colleagues. Reports indicate frequent heated exchanges between the senator and his wife Gisele over political matters, particularly regarding his support for certain Trump nominees. A recent profile in New York Magazine’s Intelligencer detailed a serious car accident in 2024 that injured his wife, along with other concerning behaviors that have raised questions about his stability.
“I’m worried that if John stays on his current trajectory he won’t be with us for much longer,” Adam Jentleson, the former chief of staff, wrote on May 20 to a doctor who had treated Mr. Fetterman at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.”
The revelations have sparked divided reactions among Democrats. Some, like Jonathan Last, have explicitly called for Fetterman’s resignation, stating bluntly, “He needs to resign.” Others, including former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, have defended him, calling the reporting a “despicable hit piece” and “an obvious vendetta regarding a man’s medical journey.” Fetterman himself has remained largely quiet on the matter, stating only that his recent “no” vote on a Trump nominee “speaks for itself” while dismissing further speculation.
Pro-Israel Stance Draws Scrutiny
Some observers have noted that the renewed scrutiny of Fetterman’s health coincides with his staunch pro-Israel position, which puts him at odds with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Fetterman has been unwavering in his support for Israel’s right to defend itself, advocating for strong actions against Iran and its nuclear program. This position represents a significant break from many in his party who have called for a more balanced approach to the conflict in Gaza.
The timing has raised questions about political motivations behind the health concerns. During his 2022 Senate campaign, Democrats forcefully defended Fetterman against Republican claims that his stroke had impaired his ability to serve. Michigan Senator Gary Peters had stated Fetterman was “getting better every day” and that he was “completely comfortable” with his cognitive abilities. Now that Fetterman has taken positions that conflict with progressive Democrats, particularly on Israel, the narrative has shifted dramatically.
Uncertain Future
The revelations have prompted discussions about a potential primary challenge in Pennsylvania and conversations among Senate Democrats about Fetterman’s future. While some argue the senator deserves privacy and understanding during his recovery, others question whether his current condition allows him to effectively represent his constituents. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of health, politics, and governance that elected officials must navigate, particularly when dealing with serious medical conditions in the public eye.
Fetterman’s continued presence in the Senate remains uncertain as these discussions unfold. His wife Gisele continues to defend him against what she characterizes as unfair attacks, while former staffers maintain their concerns are legitimate and based on firsthand observations of troubling behavior. As the situation develops, voters in Pennsylvania and Senate colleagues will be watching closely to determine whether Fetterman can effectively fulfill his duties through the remainder of his term.
