Senator John Fetterman, the Democratic lawmaker from Pennsylvania known for his blunt style and outsider persona, is once again in the spotlight following reports of an emotional outburst during a closed-door meeting with a teachers union. As per the Associated Press, Fetterman allegedly slammed his hands on a desk, shouted, and asked, “Why does everyone hate me?” The episode left staff and attendees shaken, with one aide reportedly breaking down in tears after the meeting.This incident comes shortly after
New York Magazine
published a story in which Fetterman’s former staff and advisers raised serious concerns about his mental health, claiming he had strayed from his recovery plan and was exhibiting erratic behaviour. A 2024 letter from his ex-chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, to a treating neuropsychiatrist, warned that Fetterman was showing signs of paranoia and self-isolation, and may have stopped taking his prescribed medications, as reported by AP.
Political outsider with a progressive past
Fetterman’s unconventional rise began in Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he served as mayor and gained national attention for his gritty efforts to revitalise the town. Standing 6-foot-8, tattooed and bald, with a penchant for gym shorts and hoodies, Fetterman gained a reputation as a progressive firebrand who supported marijuana legalisation, same-sex marriage, and working-class causes.He won the 2022 Senate race, flipping a critical seat for Democrats. But his rightward shift on certain issues since then, especially his staunch support for Israel during the war in Gaza, has alienated some on the left. “People are concerned about his health… There’s a lot of love for him out there,” Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair Sharif Street was quoted as saying by AP.
Mental health struggles
Fetterman suffered a stroke in 2022 and was later diagnosed with clinical depression. He spent six weeks at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2023 and returned to the Senate more outgoing.He has since spoken openly about his struggles, telling Joe Rogan in November, “I was really… in a very dark place. And I stayed in that game and I am standing in front of you right now.”Despite his recovery, insiders have continued to raise alarms. In his letter, Jentleson wrote: “John has dismantled the early-warning system we all agreed upon… He has picked fights with each person involved in that system.” According to AP, Fetterman’s office has denied the claims and dismissed the reports as baseless and politically motivated.
Backlash or smear campaign?
Fetterman’s defenders, from both parties, say the recent scrutiny is a politically driven smear. Rep Ritchie Torres, D-NY, said, “If you truly care about someone’s mental health, leaking hit pieces against them is a strange way of showing it.” As per Fox News, Sen David McCormick, R-Pa, also came to his defence, calling the attacks “vicious” and describing Fetterman as “authentic, decent, principled and a fighter.”Fox News noted that Fetterman has fallen below 50% in support among Democrats in parts of Pennsylvania, based on internal polling. Still, conservative figures like Sen Tom Cotton and Sen Katie Britt have stood by him, praising his independence and honesty. “Proud to stand with John,” Britt posted on X.