Senator John Fetterman’s mental health crisis may force him to resign as the Philadelphia Inquirer’s scathing editorial demands he either fulfill his senatorial duties or step aside for someone who can.
Key Takeaways
- The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board has formally called on Senator Fetterman to either fulfill his duties or resign, citing his erratic behavior and persistent absenteeism.
- Fetterman has missed 29 of 236 votes since January 2025, the third-worst record in the Senate, while frequently skipping committee hearings and meetings with constituents.
- Former staffers describe the Pennsylvania senator as “disengaged” with numerous departures from his office amid growing concerns about his mental fitness.
- Fetterman dismisses criticism as a “weird smear campaign” orchestrated by left-wing media upset with his moderate positions on Israel and border security.
- The senator was hospitalized for clinical depression in 2023, spending six weeks in treatment after suffering a stroke during his 2022 campaign.
Editorial Calls for Fetterman’s Resignation Amid Mental Health Concerns
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board has issued a stark ultimatum to Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman: start performing your duties effectively or step aside. The blunt assessment comes after mounting evidence that Fetterman’s mental health challenges may be preventing him from adequately representing his constituents. The senator, who suffered a debilitating stroke in 2022 and was subsequently hospitalized for six weeks in 2023 for clinical depression, has established one of the worst attendance records in the Senate, missing 29 of 236 votes since January—the third-worst record among all senators.
The Inquirer’s editorial didn’t mince words about the gravity of the situation, stating that “Being an elected official comes with public scrutiny. If Fetterman can’t handle the attention or perform his job, then in the best interest of the country and the nearly 13 million residents of Pennsylvania he represents, he should step aside.” The damning assessment follows reports from former staffers describing a senator who is fundamentally disengaged from his responsibilities, with multiple employees having already abandoned ship amid troubling workplace concerns.
Fetterman’s Defense: A “Weird Smear Campaign”
Fetterman has forcefully rejected the criticism, describing it as part of a coordinated effort to undermine him because of his policy positions. During a recent debate on Fox Nation with Senator Dave McCormick, Fetterman claimed the attacks are politically motivated. “Well, for me, it’s very clear, which is part of like this weird smear, this thing. I’ve continued to get more and more kinds of incoming and those things, and all of those things. So, the more kinds of left kind of media continue to have these kinds of an attack, and it’s just part of a smear, and it’s just not accurate,” said Fetterman.
“Oh, well, now, for me, it’s very clear, it’s just part of like this weird — weird-this weird smear, this thing. And now, the — you know, the things more, I started to kind of — you know, be following Israel or the border, and now, really refusing to vote to shut the government down, I’ve continued to get more and more kinds of incoming and those things, and all of those things.” – SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN
The senator’s attempt to frame criticism as a weaponization of his mental health struggles has become a recurring theme. In a recent interview, he stated, “My doctor warned years ago: ‘After it’s public that you are getting help for depression, people will weaponize that,'” and added, “It shook me that people are willing to weaponize that I got help.” However, critics note that concerns about his performance extend far beyond his decision to seek treatment and focus instead on his actual job performance and attendance record.
Absenteeism and Staff Exodus Raise Red Flags
Beyond missed votes, Fetterman’s work habits have drawn scrutiny for their irregularity. He has not held town halls with constituents, reportedly due to fear of being heckled, and has become increasingly isolated from Democratic colleagues, skipping the weekly caucus lunch and even quitting the party’s group chat. “It’s pretty impossible to overstate how disengaged he is,” one recently departed staffer told reporters, highlighting concerns that have led to significant staff turnover in his office.
“He’s taken two all-expenses-paid trips to Israel, but can’t drive down the street and hold a town hall,” a former staffer told the Intercept.
Fetterman has justified his absenteeism by prioritizing family time and dismissing some senatorial duties as “performative.” When questioned about missed votes, he told the New York Times, “I would go visit my dad instead of a throwaway vote.” This cavalier attitude toward his constitutional responsibilities has further inflamed critics who point out that senators are elected to represent their state’s interests regardless of whether they personally find the work engaging or meaningful.
Political Isolation Grows as Moderate Positions Alienate Former Allies
Adding to Fetterman’s challenges is his increasing political isolation. His pro-Israel stance and moderate positions on border security have alienated progressive supporters who once championed his candidacy. The senator has rejected suggestions that Republicans are courting him, viewing such notions as patronizing. The political isolation comes at a time when Fetterman’s office appears to be in disarray, with former staffers describing disturbing incidents, including one where the senator was reportedly found alone and nearly struck by a car.
“Being a U.S. senator is a serious job that requires full-time engagement. If Fetterman wants to continue to serve, then he must take his position seriously,” The editorial board.
As pressure mounts on Fetterman to either improve his performance or resign, his office has not responded to requests for comment on the Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial. With questions about his fitness for office increasing and staff continuing to depart, Pennsylvanians are left wondering whether their interests are being adequately represented in Washington. The situation highlights the delicate balance between supporting those with mental health challenges and ensuring elected officials can fulfill the duties they were elected to perform.
