Democratic senators are quietly discussing how to help Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), amid growing concerns about his behavior, which some fear could pose a risk to his safety or the safety of others. According to sources familiar with these conversations, several colleagues are worried about the emotional strain Fetterman may be facing in his first term.
“Every time I see him, I’m worried about him,” said a Democratic senator who requested anonymity. This senator referred to a recent New York Magazine report in which Fetterman’s former chief of staff warned that the senator was “on a bad trajectory” and might not “be with us for much longer” unless things change. The senator added, “People are trying to figure out what to do. People are worried about his safety.”
Another senator, also speaking privately, said they were part of a group of lawmakers trying to support Fetterman. “We’re friends, what can we do as friends to provide some support?” the senator asked, expressing concern that Fetterman has become isolated in Washington. “I worry about that, and that means as friends we need to step up,” they added.
A third senator shared their own concern, noting they’ve seen Fetterman get emotional at work. “Certainly I’m concerned about his well-being like all other senators,” the senator said, according to The Hill.
One Democratic aide revealed that Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has been reaching out to Fetterman, trying to build a friendship and break through the barriers Fetterman has built between himself and other colleagues.
The concerns about Fetterman’s behavior are not new. A year ago, Fetterman’s former top aide, Adam Jentleson, sent a 1,600-word email to Fetterman’s doctor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, warning about “warning signs” linked to his mental health struggles. In the email, Jentleson raised alarm about Fetterman’s heavy use of social media, which he said worsened his depression, as well as reckless driving and the purchase of a firearm. Jentleson’s email noted that staff had refused to ride with Fetterman due to his erratic driving. It also mentioned troubling signs like conspiracy theories, megalomania, and emotional instability, raising doubts about whether Fetterman was taking his prescribed medication.
Fetterman dismissed the report last week as a “one-source hit piece,” and vowed to remain in the Senate until his term ends in 2028. However, his strained relationships with colleagues continue to draw attention. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) commented that Fetterman has largely withdrawn from casual interactions with colleagues. “John doesn’t spend much time on the floor, for obvious reasons. He’s chosen to dress in a manner that’s inconsistent with the Senate rules,” Durbin explained.
In September 2023, the Senate passed a new dress code, clearly aimed at Fetterman, who had regularly worn hoodies and shorts to work. The legislation was called the “SHORTS” Act, standing for “Show Our Respect to the Senate.” Now, when Fetterman attends votes, he is no longer allowed on the Senate floor without proper attire, often sitting off to the side in the Ohio Clock corridor.
Fetterman’s absence from votes has been notable. According to GovTrack.us, he has missed 174 out of 920 roll call votes in the current session, more than any other senator, or about 19% of the votes.
Further reports from New York Magazine also pointed to “verbal altercations” between Fetterman and colleagues like Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). However, those close to the incident between Fetterman and Shaheen said it wasn’t an altercation but more of an awkward exchange. During a conversation about a bill to sanction the International Criminal Court, Fetterman became upset about not being given a seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sources noted that his reaction was strange since Shaheen, as the ranking Democrat, doesn’t make committee assignments—Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer does.
Fetterman has also missed several Senate Commerce Committee meetings and struggled with complex topics in Banking Committee hearings, according to a source familiar with the panels. The aide said, “He never seemed with it at Banking. I feel for the guy.”
Former Pennsylvania Representative Ron Klink (D) voiced frustration with Fetterman’s office, noting a high staff turnover and poor communication. “I have reached out to Sen. Fetterman’s office on a number of occasions for work that I’m doing and I have not really received any callbacks,” Klink said. He also noted that when he did hear back, the staffer had often left the office.
Despite the concerns, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) defended Fetterman last week, saying, “He’s doing a good job and he’s a good legislator.”
Fetterman’s office declined to comment on the situation.
