Fetterman Faces Scrutiny Over Health, Dismisses Concerns as ‘Hit Piece’

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania found himself on the defensive this week, facing questions about his health and fitness for office following a New York Magazine report that painted a concerning picture of his well-being. The Democratic senator clashed with a CNN reporter over the allegations, dismissing them as a politically motivated attack fueled by disgruntled former staffers.

The New York Magazine article, published last Friday, included accounts from current and former staffers who claimed to have witnessed erratic behavior from Fetterman, raising questions about his ability to effectively serve in the Senate. The report comes after Fetterman suffered a stroke in May 2022 and was treated for depression in February 2023.

During a Tuesday interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Fetterman was directly questioned about his health and whether he intended to remain in office. Raju specifically asked if Fetterman was adhering to his prescribed medication regimen for depression.

"Senator, you’ve been public about your struggles with depression," Raju said. "And you had a prescription regimen of drugs to take in the aftermath of that. Have you been keeping up with that? Taking your medication?"

Fetterman responded by calling the question "incredibly invasive" and questioning why his personal medical information was being discussed publicly. He stated that his doctor has said he is doing "great."

"It’s incredibly invasive," Fetterman told Raju. "Why are people talking about anyone’s personal medical things? I think most people would agree that’s really, really invasive."

The CNN interview wasn’t the only time Fetterman faced questions about his medication. Earlier that day, an NBC reporter also confronted him about his medication use.

Fetterman has consistently dismissed the New York Magazine report as a "hit piece" orchestrated by former staffers with an axe to grind. He suggested that the individuals quoted in the article had a personal vendetta against him and were deliberately attempting to damage his reputation.

"It’s, like, no, he’s had a weird grudge and he’s threatened to do this for quite a while. And if you’re really concerned about someone, you could say, ‘Hey, let’s sit down, can we talk?’ It’s not, like, going to the media. And that’s why somebody that has an agenda, it’s, like, a hit piece," he said.

The New York Magazine report included both anonymous accounts and on-the-record comments from former staff members. Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s former chief of staff, was among those who spoke on the record. The report alleged that Jentleson was so concerned about Fetterman’s mental health that he emailed a doctor who had treated the senator at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, expressing his worries about Fetterman’s well-being, including the claim that he was not taking his medication.

Fetterman also addressed an allegation in the report that he had driven recklessly. He dismissed the claim, stating that it referred to an accident.

Raju pressed Fetterman on his commitment to serving his full term in the Senate. "Do you plan to serve your full term here in the Senate?" Raju asked.

"C’mon," Fetterman scoffed. "Of course. Obviously. Obviously. Everybody understands I was treated for depression."

The controversy surrounding Fetterman has sparked debate among political commentators. Some conservative critics have echoed Fetterman’s claim that the New York Magazine report is a "hit piece," suggesting that the negative coverage is a result of Fetterman’s support for Israel. These critics argue that liberals, who previously rallied behind Fetterman after his stroke during the 2022 midterm campaign, are now turning on him due to his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A spokesperson for New York Magazine defended the report in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The story was rigorously reported and fact checked, and based on information from many sources, both on the record and anonymous, who have worked with Senator Fetterman, as well as the senator himself," the statement said.

The allegations against Fetterman raise complex questions about the intersection of mental health, public service, and political accountability. While Fetterman has been open about his struggles with depression, the New York Magazine report suggests that his condition may be affecting his ability to perform his duties as a senator.

The episode also highlights the challenges of balancing the public’s right to know with an individual’s right to privacy, particularly when it comes to sensitive medical information. While Fetterman is a public figure, some argue that questions about his medication and mental health are overly intrusive and could stigmatize those who seek treatment for mental illness.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the controversy will affect Fetterman’s political future. He faces the challenge of convincing voters that he is fit to serve despite the concerns raised in the New York Magazine report. He must also address the underlying issues that led to the complaints from former staffers and demonstrate that he is committed to addressing their concerns. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Fetterman can overcome this challenge and continue to represent Pennsylvania in the Senate.