In a recent expos by New York Magazine's Intelligencer, current and former aides to Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, have voiced their concerns over the Senator's erratic behavior, policy shifts, and the ensuing "toxic work environment."
The article, titled "All By Himself," features the Senator defending his behavior and voting record. However, both past and present staff members argue that Fetterman has significantly changed since his stroke in May 2022.
According to the Intelligencer, the publication confirmed a letter written by Adam Jentleson, Fettermans former chief of staff, to a physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center who had treated the Senator. Jentleson expressed his concerns about the Senator's health, stating, Im worried that if John stays on his current trajectory, he wont be with us for much longer.
The letter detailed Fetterman's unhealthy lifestyle, including his fondness for fast food and his neglect of medication. Jentleson also described the Senator's work habits, saying, He declines most briefings and never reads memos; high highs and low lows; long, rambling, repetitive and self-centered monologues; lying in ways that are painfully, awkwardly obvious to everyone in the room.
The expos also revealed that some current staffers, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted to feeling uncomfortable in Fettermans presence and were advised against getting into a car driven by him. This warning came after an early morning crash in Maryland in August, where Fetterman and his wife were involved, and the Senator was found to be at fault.
In February, the Senator lost two of his longtime staffers, communications director Charlie Hills and legislative director Tr Easton. The number of former staff members has grown to such an extent that 16 of them formed a group called Fetterman Alumni for Peace to express their concern over the Senators rightward shift in policy.
Fetterman's shift to the right on issues such as illegal immigration, energy, and Israel has drawn criticism from progressives but has been welcomed by conservatives. For instance, while many Democrats immediately rejected President Donald Trumps proposal for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip, Fetterman expressed that it should be considered and stated he would fully support sending U.S. troops to the region. Recently, Fetterman reaffirmed his hawkish stance among Democrats by urging the Trump administration to target Irans nuclear sites and abandon any attempts at formal negotiations.
On the issue of illegal immigration, Fetterman diverged from many in his party by attending Trumps signing of the Laken Riley Act. He stated, I believe a secure border creates a more secure nation and its just common sense, adding, I believe a stronger border is fully compatible with my commitment to immigration."
Fetterman's populist stance on issues such as immigration and fracking has made him a potential leader for the Democratic Party heading into 2028. However, those closest to him hope this does not come to pass. Part of the tragedy here is that this is a man who could be leading Democrats out of the wilderness, Jentleson said. But I also think hes struggling in a way that shouldnt be hidden from the public.
While none of his staffers directly attributed the Senator's recent conservative leanings to his mental health, they did not rule out the possibility either. This leaves open the question of whether Fetterman's health issues have influenced his political shift, a topic that will likely continue to be a point of discussion and concern among his colleagues and constituents.
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