Fetterman Dismisses "Dumb Hit Piece" Amid Renewed Scrutiny Over Health and Political Shift

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is pushing back against a recent New York Magazine article that raises concerns about his health and job performance, calling it a "dumb hit piece" and dismissing the criticisms leveled by former staffers. The article, which has ignited a firestorm of discussion online, paints a picture of a senator struggling with the lingering effects of a stroke he suffered during his 2022 campaign, and details accounts of erratic behavior and growing tensions with his staff and family.

Fetterman, in an interview with Fox News Digital, likened the media scrutiny to a scene from the movie "Goodfellas," suggesting that such attacks are simply part of the political landscape. "Everyone takes a beating sometimes. It was just a dumb hit piece, and we’ve all moved on," he stated, downplaying the significance of the allegations.

However, the New York Magazine piece presents a far more nuanced and troubling narrative. The article, titled "All By Himself: John Fetterman insists he is in good health, but staffers past and present say they no longer recognize the man they once knew," relies on anonymous sources and on-the-record comments from former aides to suggest that Fetterman’s health issues are more significant than he publicly acknowledges and that his recovery plan may not be adhered to.

A central figure in the controversy is Adam Jentleson, a former top aide to the late Senator Harry Reid and a one-time staffer for Fetterman. The article quotes Jentleson as having written to doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, expressing concerns about Fetterman’s behavior and adherence to his recovery plan. According to the article, Jentleson stated that Fetterman "frequently exhibits the kind of alarming behavior you told us to look out for when he was discharged and… appears to be off his recovery plan."

Fetterman, in his response, accused Jentleson of harboring a "bizarre grudge" and questioned his motives for speaking critically of him. He implied that Jentleson’s comments were fueled by resentment over Fetterman’s recent political shift away from his progressive roots.

The New York Magazine article details several specific instances that raise questions about Fetterman’s well-being. One account describes Fetterman sitting alone at a Democratic caucus retreat at the Library of Congress in February 2023, silently drinking a soda. A staffer reportedly questioned his condition, suggesting that something was amiss.

The article also alleges that Fetterman was nearly struck by a car and found wandering Capitol Hill. Subsequent medical evaluations at George Washington University Hospital reportedly revealed severe dehydration, although doctors ruled out a second stroke.

The article further claims that a conversation between Fetterman and then-Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio left Brown concerned about Fetterman’s condition, describing him as nearly "catatonic." Soon after this reported incident, Fetterman was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center for treatment of clinical depression.

Beyond the health concerns, the article also explores potential tensions between Fetterman and his wife, Gisele. It suggests that disagreements may exist regarding his health regimen, his increasingly hawkish stance on Israel, and reported clashes between Gisele and his staff.

Since his return to the Senate after treatment, Fetterman has taken a more vocal stance on issues such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, often aligning himself with more conservative voices and diverging from the traditional progressive positions he once championed. This shift has drawn criticism from some within his own party and has fueled speculation about his political evolution.

Jentleson, while declining to comment directly on the Fetterman situation, has publicly criticized the progressive left’s rhetoric on the Israel-Gaza conflict. He recently told The Bulwark that some individuals are attempting to "justify" their "bad choices" in their commentary on the situation.

The controversy surrounding Fetterman’s health and political trajectory has sparked a wide range of reactions. Supporters defend him, asserting his right to evolve politically and praising his resilience in the face of health challenges. Critics, however, question his fitness for office and express concerns about his judgment and decision-making.

The renewed scrutiny of Fetterman’s health and political leanings raises questions about the challenges faced by public figures who grapple with medical issues, particularly in the high-pressure environment of Washington D.C. It also highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding the appropriate approach to foreign policy and other key issues.

As Fetterman continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how this latest round of scrutiny will impact his political future and his ability to effectively represent the people of Pennsylvania. The coming months will likely be crucial in determining whether he can successfully address the concerns raised by his critics and maintain the support of his constituents.