Senator John Fetterman rejects mounting pressure to resign his seat following explosive allegations from his former chief of staff about deteriorating mental health conditions that could be “life-threatening.”
Key Takeaways
- Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson has expressed concerns that Senator Fetterman may not be adhering to his medical treatment plan following his 2022 stroke
- Staff members have reported concerning behaviors including erratic driving, conspiratorial thinking, and volatile actions
- Fetterman has dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated “hit piece” with anonymous sources
- Democratic leadership, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have publicly expressed support for Fetterman
- The Senator has vowed to complete his term until 2028 despite the controversy
Former Chief of Staff Raises Serious Concerns
Adam Jentleson, who previously served as Senator John Fetterman’s chief of staff, has ignited controversy with a letter addressed to Fetterman’s neuropsychiatrist expressing alarm about the Pennsylvania Democrat’s mental health. The correspondence, recently obtained by The New York Times, contains dire warnings about the Senator’s condition following his May 2022 stroke. Jentleson’s May 2025 letter states bluntly that if Fetterman “stays on his current trajectory he won’t be with us for much longer,” suggesting potentially life-threatening consequences of his alleged behavior.
The letter details several concerning behaviors, including claims that Fetterman has stopped seeing his doctors regularly despite previous agreements to maintain medical appointments. “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.”
“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
Staff Reports of Erratic Behavior
Further allegations from both current and former staffers include reports of erratic driving that allegedly led to a car accident in June. Some staff members were apparently instructed not to ride in vehicles with the Senator due to safety concerns. According to the reports, Fetterman’s behavior worsened after his election, coinciding with what some have noted as a shift toward more conservative political positions. Former aides described his demeanor as volatile and at times frightening.
“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 letter from Jentleson also suggested that Fetterman might not be taking his prescribed medications, noting behaviors that included “conspiratorial thinking” and “megalomania.” Jentleson’s concerns appear particularly significant given Fetterman’s previous hospitalization for depression in February 2023, which resulted in a six-week inpatient treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The Senator has previously spoken openly about his struggles with depression.
Fetterman’s Firm Denial and Support from Colleagues
Senator Fetterman has categorically rejected the allegations, describing the New York magazine article that first reported on Jentleson’s letter as a “one-source hit piece” containing false information from “anonymous disgruntled staffers.” In multiple statements, Fetterman has denied being off his medications and has criticized what he considers an invasion of his medical privacy. He characterized Jentleson’s actions as stemming from a “weird grudge” and questioned the propriety of discussing his personal medical situation.
“It’s a one-source hit piece, and it involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things,” Fetterman said.
Democratic leadership has rallied behind Fetterman, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stating, “He’s doing a good job, and he’s a good legislator.” Senator Peter Welch of Vermont acknowledged Fetterman’s health challenges but praised his connection to everyday Americans. Despite the controversy, Fetterman has firmly stated his intention to serve his full term, which extends until 2028, though he remains noncommittal about a potential reelection campaign. Jentleson, for his part, stands by his statements and has expressed hope that Fetterman receives the help he believes is necessary.
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
