Senator John Fetterman firmly denied allegations concerning his mental health following a stroke in 2022, labeling a damaging report by his former chief of staff as nothing more than a “hit piece.”
Key Takeaways
- Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson expressed concerns about Fetterman’s health and behavior in a letter to the senator’s doctor, claiming he wasn’t following medical advice
- Accusations include erratic behavior, dangerous driving, and potential medication non-compliance
- Fetterman vehemently denied the allegations, describing the report as “a one-source hit piece” with anonymous disgruntled staffers
- Democratic colleagues including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have voiced support for Fetterman
- Fetterman has committed to serving his full Senate term until 2028 despite the controversy
Former Chief of Staff Raises Serious Concerns
The controversy surrounding Senator John Fetterman’s health escalated when Adam Jentleson, his former chief of staff, sent a letter to Fetterman’s neuropsychiatrist expressing alarm about the senator’s condition. In the communication, Jentleson claimed Fetterman had strayed from his recovery plan following his 2022 stroke and subsequent hospitalization for depression in 2023. The letter, which was obtained by The New York Times, contained stark warnings about behaviors deemed potentially life-threatening.
“I’m worried that if John stays on his current trajectory he won’t be with us for much longer,” Adam Jentleson wrote on May 20 to a doctor who had treated Mr. Fetterman at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Jentleson’s letter detailed concerning behaviors including what he described as conspiratorial thinking, megalomania, and erratic conduct. He also claimed that Fetterman was neglecting medical appointments and possibly not taking prescribed medications. According to the former aide, staff members were advised against riding in vehicles with the senator due to dangerous driving habits that reportedly led to a car accident in June.
“Jentleson is standing by his allegations, telling CNN: “I stand by what I said, and I hope he gets the help he needs.” https://t.co/8TQIClJQTk
— Sy Snyder (@PoliticsPA) May 6, 2025
Fetterman’s Forceful Denial
Senator Fetterman has categorically rejected the allegations about his mental health and behavior. In public statements, he dismissed the report as a politically motivated attack originating from a left-leaning publication. Fetterman characterized the accusations as baseless claims from a disgruntled former employee with “a weird grudge” against him. He particularly objected to the public disclosure of private medical information.
“It’s a one-source story, with a couple anonymous sources, hit piece from a very left publication. There’s really nothing more to say about it,” Sen. John Fetterman stated.
The Pennsylvania senator has directly addressed questions about his medication compliance, denying that he has stopped taking prescribed treatments. Fetterman emphasized that the invasion of his medical privacy was inappropriate and intrusive. He expressed frustration with what he viewed as unfair scrutiny of his personal health matters, suggesting the allegations were designed to undermine his position in the Senate.
Democratic Support and Political Implications
Despite the controversy, several Democratic colleagues have rallied behind Fetterman. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered a straightforward endorsement of the senator’s work. Other Democratic senators have acknowledged Fetterman’s health challenges while praising his effectiveness in representing his constituents. Senator Peter Welch specifically noted Fetterman’s strong connection with everyday Americans.
“He’s doing a good job, and he’s a good legislator,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in support of Fetterman.
Fetterman has been open about his previous health struggles, including his hospitalization for depression in February 2023, which lasted six weeks. The senator has discussed how his depression affected his family and his ability to function. Throughout these challenges, Fetterman has maintained that he remains capable of fulfilling his senatorial duties. He has firmly stated his intention to complete his term, which runs until 2028, though he remains undecided about seeking reelection.
Sources:
- Former Fetterman Aide Expressed Concern to Doctor About Senator’s Mental Health – The New York Times
- Sen. John Fetterman dismisses former staffer’s claims he’s on a ‘bad trajectory’
- Fetterman Vows Not to Quit Over Bombshell ‘Hit Piece’ on His Mental State – DNyuz
