Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman faces mounting scrutiny over his mental and physical wellbeing as his office experiences a significant staff exodus.
According to Daily Mail, legislative assistants Madeleine Marr and Caroline Shaffer recently departed their positions shortly before the publication of a damaging New York Magazine feature that painted the senator as unstable and behaving erratically since his treatment for depression.
The departures add to a growing list of staff turnover in Fetterman's office over the past 18 months, including several communications staffers and his legislative director. His former chief of staff Adam Jentleson went public with concerns about the senator's health in the New York Magazine story, expressing worry about Fetterman's trajectory and behavior.
In a revealing 1,600-word email to Fetterman's doctors at Walter Reed Hospital, Jentleson detailed specific worries about the senator's condition. He warned that Fetterman "won't be with us for much longer" without behavioral changes.
The former chief of staff highlighted concerning behaviors, including alleged medication non-compliance, excessive fast-food consumption, reckless driving, and what he described as conspiratorial thinking and megalomania. Jentleson claimed that staff members had refused to ride in vehicles with Fetterman due to safety concerns.
A police officer reportedly stated it was "a miracle no one died" following an accident involving the senator last June. These revelations have prompted discussions among Democratic leadership about how to address the situation.
At least two liberal senators have admitted to participating in strategy meetings focused on helping their struggling colleagues. One Democratic senator, speaking anonymously, confirmed involvement in discussions about Fetterman's wellbeing.
Former chief of staff Jentleson explained his decision to speak publicly about these issues:
I think John is on a bad trajectory and I'm really worried about him. Part of the tragedy here is that this is a man who could be leading Democrats out of the wilderness but I also think he's struggling in a way that shouldn't be hidden from the public.
The situation has begun affecting Fetterman's political standing, with reports indicating his campaign is losing small-dollar donors following his controversial meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Multiple anonymous staffers have reported instances of erratic conduct, including an incident where Fetterman allegedly drove a staffer to tears during a meeting with union representatives. Video footage has also surfaced showing the senator behaving poorly on an airplane.
Some staff members have shared details about apparent marital tensions between Fetterman and his wife Gisele, along with political disagreements. The revelations paint a picture of mounting instability within the senator's personal and professional circles.
These issues have raised questions about Fetterman's ability to effectively serve his constituents and maintain his position of leadership within the Democratic Party.
Senator John Fetterman's office continues to lose key staff members as concerns mount over his mental and physical health following treatment for depression. The departure of legislative assistants Madeleine Marr and Caroline Shaffer, coupled with damaging revelations from former chief of staff Adam Jentleson, has sparked serious discussions among Democratic leadership about intervention strategies. With mounting evidence of erratic behavior and staff concerns, the Pennsylvania senator faces increasing pressure to address these issues while maintaining his political responsibilities.
