Senator John Fetterman has forcefully dismissed alarming claims about his mental health following his 2022 stroke, vowing to complete his term despite serious concerns raised by his former chief of staff.
Key Insights
- Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson wrote to Fetterman’s doctor expressing fears the senator’s behavior could be “life-threatening” if not addressed
- Fetterman has labeled the reports a “hit piece” with anonymous sources and denies being off his medication or recovery plan
- Staff members allegedly were advised against riding in cars with Fetterman due to dangerous driving habits that reportedly led to an accident
- Democratic colleagues including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have publicly expressed support for Fetterman
- Fetterman intends to serve his full term until 2028 despite the controversy
Serious Allegations from Former Staff
A controversy surrounding Senator John Fetterman’s mental health has erupted after his former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, sent a letter to Fetterman’s neuropsychiatrist expressing grave concerns about the Pennsylvania senator’s condition. The letter, obtained by The New York Times, contained alarming claims about Fetterman’s behavior in the aftermath of his May 2022 stroke. Jentleson detailed what he described as increasingly erratic behavior, dangerous driving habits, and an alleged refusal to follow medical advice or regularly see doctors, including a cardiologist that was part of his agreed recovery plan.
“I’m worried that if John stays on his current trajectory he won’t be with us for much longer,” wrote Jentleson in his May 20 letter to the doctor who had treated Fetterman at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“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 Firm Denial
Senator Fetterman has categorically rejected these claims, describing the reporting as a “hit piece” based on a single source with anonymous contributions from “disgruntled staffers.” In multiple responses to press inquiries, Fetterman has maintained that he is following his medical team’s guidance and that his mental health does not impede his ability to perform his senatorial duties. The senator, who was hospitalized for depression for six weeks in February 2023, criticized what he characterized as an invasion of his medical privacy.
“It’s a one-source hit piece, and it involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things,” Fetterman stated. “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.”
Concerning Behavior Details
According to the reports, former aides described Fetterman’s behavior as volatile and sometimes frightening. Staff members were allegedly advised against riding in vehicles with the senator due to his dangerous driving, which reportedly resulted in a car accident in June. The letter from Jentleson claimed Fetterman exhibited signs of conspiratorial thinking and megalomania, suggesting he might not be taking prescribed medications properly. These behaviors allegedly worsened following his election victory.
“He does not see his doctors,” Jentleson wrote last year. “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.”
Senate Colleagues Rally Behind Fetterman
Several Democratic colleagues have publicly supported Fetterman amid the controversy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer defended the senator, stating, “He’s doing a good job, and he’s a good legislator.” Senator Peter Welch acknowledged Fetterman’s health challenges but praised his connection with everyday Americans. These expressions of solidarity come as Fetterman faces perhaps the most significant challenge to his legitimacy as a senator since taking office in 2023.
Despite the pressure, Fetterman has made it clear he has no intention of resigning. The senator has committed to serving his full term, which runs until 2028, though he expressed uncertainty about seeking reelection. As President Trump’s administration continues into 2025, Fetterman remains determined to fulfill his elected responsibilities to Pennsylvania voters regardless of the controversy surrounding his health.
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
