In recent months, concerns about Senator John Fetterman's mental health have taken center stage, following a warning from his former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson. Jentleson expressed alarm over Fetterman's erratic behavior, suggesting that his mental health issues were spiraling out of control. In a letter dated May 20 to a doctor who treated Fetterman at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Jentleson warned that the senator's condition could be life-threatening if not addressed.
Fetterman's behavior has reportedly continued to worry those close to him. Former aides, speaking anonymously, have described situations where they felt uneasy around the senator, especially when he was in an agitated state. Concerns about his dangerous driving habits have been longstanding, with aides advised against riding in a car with him behind the wheel. His behavior reportedly worsened after the election, coinciding with a shift in his political stance as his home state of Pennsylvania leaned more towards former President Trump.
Jentleson's letter highlighted Fetterman's neglect of medical advice, including skipping regular check-ups with his doctors, which were part of his recovery plan. Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Capitol's on-site physician, was reportedly among those appointments Fetterman chose to forego. Jentleson's letter, obtained by The New York Times and first reported by New York magazine, underscored the gravity of the situation, suggesting that Fetterman's failure to adhere to medical recommendations might be contributing to his unstable behavior.
In response, Fetterman dismissed the article as a "hit piece" and defended his health, stating that his actual doctors and family assured him of his well-being. He accused Jentleson and the article's author, Ben Terris, of having a personal vendetta, fueled by anonymous and disgruntled staffers spreading misinformation. Fetterman's spokesperson further questioned Jentleson's motives, emphasizing the negative impact of publicizing such personal matters, especially given the stigma surrounding men's mental health.
Fetterman's history includes a near-fatal stroke during his campaign, followed by a six-week hospitalization for clinical depression at Walter Reed in 2023. After his release, he appeared to be on the mend, engaging more with his Senate duties and advocating for mental health awareness. He publicly spoke about the privilege and responsibility of addressing mental health issues, urging those suffering from depression to seek help.
Despite these challenges, Fetterman has become more conservative, particularly regarding Israel. He was the first Democrat to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after the election, seemingly pursuing political common ground as Pennsylvania shifted right. Fetterman, who follows Fox News, even considered voting to confirm a controversial cabinet nominee, indicating his political alignment was undergoing significant changes.
The connection between Fetterman's political transformation and his mental health crisis remains unclear. However, Jentleson's letter linked his behavior to a failure to follow medical advice, including taking prescribed medications. Jentleson described warning signs such as conspiratorial thinking and mood swings, coupled with reckless behavior like dangerous driving and purchasing a firearm—a significant red flag according to medical professionals.
Gisele Fetterman, the senator's wife, disputed Jentleson's claims, accusing him of misrepresenting her husband's condition. Despite these tensions, she has stood by Fetterman, accompanying him to Mar-a-Lago and on a diplomatic visit to Israel. However, staff members remain anxious about Fetterman's unpredictable moods and driving habits, which have resulted in past accidents and speeding infractions.
The ongoing situation with Senator Fetterman underscores the complexities of mental health recovery and the challenges of navigating public life while managing personal health issues.