Sen. John Fetterman’s unraveling health and erratic behavior are driving away key staffers, raising alarms about his fitness for office.
Two legislative assistants, Madeleine Marr and Caroline Shaffer, abruptly left Fetterman’s team just before a revealing New York Magazine feature exposed the Pennsylvania Democrat's alleged struggles, as the Daily Mail reports.
The feature painted a grim picture of a senator grappling with untreated depression and displaying troubling conduct. This exodus follows a pattern, as Fetterman has lost multiple communications staffers, a legislative director, and his former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, over the past 18 months.
Marr and Shaffer, who joined Fetterman’s staff when he took office in early 2023, were critical to his legislative efforts. Their sudden departure underscores the chaos within his office. The New York Magazine report cited anonymous staffers who described Fetterman as increasingly unstable since his treatment for depression.
An old video recently resurfaced, showing Fetterman acting disruptively on a plane, adding to concerns about his conduct. Staffers also reported an incident where he reduced a colleague to tears during a heated meeting with union representatives. These episodes suggest a senator struggling to maintain composure under pressure.
At least two liberal senators have acknowledged holding strategy meetings to address Fetterman’s challenges. One Senate Democrat, speaking anonymously, admitted to being “involved in discussions” about ensuring Fetterman’s safety. This intervention highlights the gravity of the situation, as colleagues fear for his well-being.
The New York Magazine report included accusations from several sources that Fetterman was neglecting his prescribed medication. Only one staffer was willing to speak publicly, and Fetterman has firmly denied these claims. Despite his denials, the allegations have fueled doubts about his stability.
Anonymous staffers also revealed tensions in Fetterman’s personal life, citing marital strife and political disagreements with his wife, Gisele. These private struggles appear to compound his professional difficulties. The senator’s behavior has raised red flags among those closest to his operation.
A year after Fetterman’s release from Walter Reed Hospital’s traumatic-brain-injury and neuropsychiatry unit, Jentleson sent a 1,600-word email to the unit’s director. In it, he expressed deep concern, writing that Fetterman was on a “bad trajectory” and needed urgent help. Jentleson’s warning underscored the senator’s deteriorating condition.
Jentleson also noted Fetterman’s purchase of a gun, though he emphasized the senator took “necessary precautions” for safety. Living in Braddock, a gritty small town where he once served as mayor, Fetterman’s desire for personal protection was understandable, Jentleson added. Yet the revelation added to anxieties about his mental state.
Accusations against Fetterman include neglect of medication, excessive indulgence in fast foot, and conspiratorial thinking. Staffers described him as prone to self-centered monologues and megalomania, traits that alienate those around him. These behaviors suggest to some a man spiraling out of control.
Fetterman’s obsession with social media, despite admitting it worsened his depression, has alarmed his team. Staffers reported he remains fixated on online platforms, which they believe exacerbates his mental health struggles. This addiction undermines efforts to stabilize his condition. Reckless driving has also become a concern, with staffers refusing to ride with Fetterman due to his dangerous habits. A police officer remarked it was a “miracle” no one died after a June accident involving the senator.
Fetterman’s campaign has suffered financially since his controversial meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Small-dollar donors have pulled back, and his campaign is reportedly bleeding money. This shift reflects growing unease among supporters about his judgment.
Jentleson, reflecting on Fetterman’s potential, called his decline a “tragedy” in an interview. He lamented that Fetterman, once a promising leader, was struggling in ways that “shouldn’t be hidden” from the public. The former chief of staff’s candor highlights the depth of concern among those who know Fetterman best.
The senator’s alleged refusal to adhere to his recovery plan has driven away those tasked with supporting him, Jentleson noted. With key aides like Marr and Shaffer gone, Fetterman’s office faces a leadership vacuum. His inability to retain staff threatens his effectiveness as a senator and raises questions about his future in public life.
