Fetterman Faces Family Drama, New Questions About Health In Expose
Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not due to legislative work. A newly published report has reignited public concerns over his health, his evolving political stances, and alleged personal tensions involving his wife, Gisele.
The New York Magazine’s Intelligencer published a feature titled “All By Himself: John Fetterman insists he is in good health, but staffers past and present say they no longer recognize the man they once knew.” The piece draws on accounts from both current and former staffers and details Fetterman’s health struggles since suffering a serious stroke in May 2022 during his campaign against Republican challenger Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Among several incidents highlighted in the article is one from February 2023 during a Democratic retreat at the Library of Congress. A staffer reported receiving inquiries about Fetterman’s condition after seeing him seated alone, quietly drinking a soda. The article also claims he was nearly hit by a vehicle and was later found disoriented and “wandering” around Capitol Hill.
Doctors at George Washington University Hospital ultimately ruled out a second stroke, determining that Fetterman was severely dehydrated.
Soon after, following a concerning exchange with then-Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), where Fetterman appeared nearly “catatonic,” he was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center on February 15. After being discharged, he resumed his Senate duties and has since become more vocal on controversial issues—particularly the Israel-Gaza conflict—frequently clashing with fellow Democrats.
He also played a leading role in calling for the resignation of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) following corruption allegations.
According to the Intelligencer, “Former and current staffers paint a picture of an erratic senator who has become almost impossible to work for and whose mental health situation is more serious and complicated than previously reported.”
The article also touches on alleged friction between Fetterman and his wife. After the senator expressed support for Israel following Hamas’ deadly October 2023 attacks, staffers reportedly penned a letter accusing him of a “gutting betrayal.” Gisele allegedly confronted her husband over the Israeli military’s airstrikes on refugee camps, asking, “How can you support this?”
Reports also claim she raised concerns with Fetterman’s staff. Separately, a Senate physician reportedly described Fetterman’s behavior in December 2023 as “bizarre” after an incident near the Senate subway, adding that the senator hadn’t had recent bloodwork.
Staff members have also described him as physically imposing in the Capitol, with instances where he nearly knocked people over while walking, further fueling frustration from his wife.
The report quickly gained traction online. Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias called it “a very sad story here on a human level, but of course, it’s also politics and can’t be addressed purely on that level.”
Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan commented that the article and staffer testimony make it clear “Fetterman should not be serving in the Senate,” adding, “Every Senate Democrat should read this and be asked about it.”
Progressive criticism also came from a California-based group, Bay Area New Liberals, which stated the article is “an indictment of populist politicians,” adding, “Whether they’re left or right… populism will not get you the best leaders.”
Others online had differing takes—one post criticized Gisele’s portrayal in the article as unfair, while another suggested, “These are not red flags; this is a siren going off. John Fetterman is not taking his meds… He needs inpatient care.”
Still, some social media users accused media outlets of selective scrutiny. “Funny how they didn’t run these hit pieces or question Fetterman’s mental health during the campaign when he was barely able to speak or when he so spectacularly fumbled the debate against Dr. Oz,” one commenter wrote. “But now that he turned out not to be a deranged Trump hater, a psychotic terrorist lover, or an obedient progressive, suddenly they’re starting to question his mental acuity.”