Fetterman Dismisses Report on Mental State, Commits to Senate Role

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Senator John Fetterman vigorously rejects claims about his deteriorating mental health, calling the explosive New York Magazine report a “hit piece” while committing to fulfill his Senate term through 2028.

Quick Takes

Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson raised serious concerns about Fetterman’s mental health in a letter to his doctor, warning that the senator’s behavior could be life-threatening.
Staffers reportedly worried about Fetterman’s erratic behavior, including dangerous driving that led to a car accident in June.
Fetterman has firmly denied all allegations, insisting he follows his doctors’ recommendations and takes his prescribed medications.
Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have publicly supported Fetterman amid the controversy.
The Pennsylvania senator plans to serve his full term until 2028 despite the scrutiny of his health following his 2022 stroke.

Senator’s Health Called Into Question

A bombshell report from New York Magazine has ignited intense scrutiny of Senator John Fetterman’s mental state, claiming the Pennsylvania Democrat has been spiraling since his May 2022 stroke. The exposé, based significantly on a letter written by former chief of staff Adam Jentleson to Fetterman’s neuropsychiatrist, paints a disturbing picture of a senator allegedly exhibiting erratic behavior, paranoia, and possibly neglecting his medication regimen. The letter obtained by the New York Times expressed dire concerns about Fetterman’s trajectory, with Jentleson writing he feared the senator “won’t be with us for much longer” if his behavior continued unchecked.

According to the report, multiple current and former staffers described Fetterman’s behavior as increasingly volatile, with some allegedly instructed not to ride in vehicles with him due to dangerous driving habits. These concerns apparently intensified after Fetterman’s 2022 election victory, coinciding with what sources described as his political shift toward more conservative positions. The most serious allegations suggest Fetterman has been inconsistent with doctor appointments and medication compliance despite previous agreements to maintain regular medical care following his hospitalization for depression in early 2023.

“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 state, describing the New York Magazine article as a politically motivated “hit piece” based on disgruntled former employees. Speaking to reporters, Fetterman dismissed the report’s credibility, characterizing it as “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.” The senator further defended his health status, insisting he maintains appropriate medical care and medication compliance while criticizing the public discussion of his personal health information.

“It’s a one-source hit piece, and it involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things,” said Sen. John Fetterman.

Fetterman particularly objected to the invasion of privacy regarding his medical conditions, stating: “It’s incredibly invasive. And why are people talking about anyone’s personal medical things? It’s that, you know, I think most people would agree that’s really, really invasive.” The senator characterized Jentleson’s actions as stemming from a “weird grudge” and questioned why his former chief of staff went to media outlets rather than addressing concerns directly. Despite the controversy, Fetterman has received public support from Democratic colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer who stated simply, “He’s doing a good job, and he’s a good legislator.”

Future Senate Plans

Amid calls from critics questioning his fitness to serve, Senator Fetterman has firmly committed to completing his Senate term, which runs through 2028. The controversy arrives as President Trump begins his administration, potentially complicating Democratic efforts to maintain their influence in the closely divided Senate. Fetterman, who has become known for breaking with his party on certain issues, particularly regarding border security and Israel, stated he has no intention of resigning despite the allegations about his health and behavior.

“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,” said Adam Jentleson.

Fetterman’s health journey has been publicly documented since his stroke during his 2022 Senate campaign. After winning that race, he was hospitalized for six weeks in February 2023 for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The senator has been relatively open about his struggles with depression, describing its profound impact on his family and daily life. While Fetterman has indicated he plans to serve his full term, he has not yet committed to seeking reelection in 2028, noting that decision remains years away.