Fetterman Dismisses Mental Health Concerns as ‘Hit Piece’ from Left-Leaning Publication

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is pushing back hard against a recent report from New York Magazine that casts doubt on his mental health and overall fitness for office. The article, published in the magazine’s "Intelligencer" section, cites anonymous sources and former staff members who paint a picture of a senator struggling with lingering effects from a severe stroke he suffered in May 2022.

Fetterman wasted no time in labeling the report a "hit piece" orchestrated by a left-leaning publication. He made the accusation during a brief exchange with NBC reporter Kate Santaliz, who confronted him with questions about the article’s claims.

"It’s a one-source story with a couple of anonymous sources," Fetterman told Santaliz, as captured in a video she posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Hit piece from a very left publication. There’s really nothing more to say about that."

The New York Magazine article paints a concerning picture of Fetterman’s current state, suggesting that he has become increasingly difficult to work with and that his mental health issues are more profound than previously acknowledged. The report claims that staffers, both past and present, struggle to recognize the senator they once knew.

The article also touches upon Fetterman’s evolving political positions, particularly his unwavering support for Israel following the October 7th attacks by Hamas. While the report doesn’t directly attribute all of Fetterman’s controversial stances to his mental health, it suggests that staff members are finding it increasingly challenging to discern the underlying reasons behind his decisions.

One of the most alarming revelations in the article is the inclusion of an email allegedly written by Fetterman’s former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, to a doctor who had previously treated the senator at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In the email, Jentleson reportedly expresses deep concern about Fetterman’s well-being, stating, "I think John is on a bad trajectory and I’m really worried about him."

Jentleson’s email reportedly outlines several red flags, including allegations that Fetterman was not consistently taking his prescribed medications and was avoiding regular medical checkups. These claims raise serious questions about Fetterman’s adherence to his treatment plan and his commitment to maintaining his health.

Santaliz directly questioned Fetterman about Jentleson’s allegations during their exchange. "He said he was worried that you’re not taking your medications. Are you taking your medication, sir?" she asked. Fetterman’s response, however, was dismissive, as he simply reiterated his claim that the report was a "hit piece" based on anonymous sources. The video of the interaction ends abruptly at this point.

Prior to his on-camera response, Fetterman issued a statement to The New York Times on Friday, addressing the New York Magazine article. In the statement, he asserted that his "ACTUAL doctors and my family affirmed that I’m very well." He further characterized the article as a "hit piece" motivated by "disgruntled staffers" with personal grievances.

Fetterman’s supporters and conservative commentators have rallied to his defense, accusing New York Magazine of targeting him due to his vocal support for Israel. Some believe that the magazine, and the liberal establishment more broadly, are turning against Fetterman after having previously embraced him as a progressive icon. They suggest that his unwavering pro-Israel stance has made him a target of criticism and scrutiny.

This situation marks a significant turning point for Fetterman, who was once considered a rising star within the Democratic Party. His victory in the 2022 Senate race, despite suffering a stroke just months before the election, was seen as a testament to his resilience and the power of his populist appeal. However, his recent political positions and the questions surrounding his health have alienated some of his former allies and raised doubts about his long-term viability as a political leader.

The controversy surrounding the New York Magazine article has sparked a heated debate about the role of mental health in politics and the ethics of using anonymous sources to report on sensitive personal matters. While Fetterman has vehemently denied the allegations against him, the report has undoubtedly raised concerns about his ability to effectively serve in the Senate. The long-term impact of this controversy on his political career remains to be seen.

Neither Fetterman’s office nor New York Magazine have provided any additional comments following the initial publication of the article and Fetterman’s subsequent response.