Jerry Nadler, a seasoned New York congressman, has made a name for himself as a stalwart of progressive policies in the House of Representatives.
However, he has also gained a less flattering reputation among his peers in the chamber, notorious for his disagreeable odor.
Anthony DEsposito, a former GOP congressman from Long Island who was recently appointed as the inspector general of the Department of Labor, described Nadler's presence in the House.
"Hes the kind of guy who when he makes his way onto the floor he barrels through everyone, and sometime he doesnt really need to barrel through because his stench kind of clears the way and it equates to his personality, which is nasty and most people want to keep away from," DEsposito said, according to The Washington Free Beacon.
Several of Nadlers current and former colleagues, from both sides of the political divide, have been even more critical behind closed doors. One House Democrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, was particularly blunt about Nadler's hygiene. "Members of Congress dont want to sit next to him because of it," the House Democrat told the Washington Free Beacon. "Yeah, he smells. I dont know what he does. Maybe he doesnt take a bath, I dont know what it is."
Nadler's reputation isn't just about his odor. His performance in the House has also been called into question. "They removed him from his chairmanship because they didnt trust his ability to handle the job. Hes constantly falling asleep on the floor and constantly falling asleep everywhere," the House Democrat added.
In December, Nadler, 77, was removed from his position as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee due to growing concerns about his ability to fulfill his duties. In 2019, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sidelined him during President Donald Trumps first impeachment hearing over similar cognitive concerns. Videos of Nadler dozing off during hearings have become a common sight online.
Some members of Congress have speculated that Nadler's odor could be a symptom of underlying health issues. Nadler has faced health challenges throughout his career. In 2019, he nearly collapsed during a press conference in Manhattan and had to be rushed to the hospital. In 2002, he underwent gastric bypass surgery to address his morbid obesity. "He reeks. Its not just like a guy who didnt take a shower. I dont know if its surgery or a colostomy bag, but its bad," another New York member of Congress remarked.
The issue of Nadler's odor has been a topic of discussion in Congress for years and has even been the subject of public jokes. During an appearance on Fox News' Gutfeld in June 2022, host Greg Gutfeld asked House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, "Congressman, I dont know how to ask this in a respectable manner, but do off-smelling people offend you?" McCarthy responded with a laugh, "Are we talking about Jerry Nadler?"
Nadler has long been at odds with Donald Trump, a feud that dates back to Trump's days as a New York City real estate developer. Trump has publicly disparaged Nadler, referring to him as "Fat Jerry" and a "sleazebag."
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