Senator John Fetterman, D-PA, checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital on Wednesday, seeking treatment for clinical depression. His office said the treatment was on a “voluntary basis.” Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, made the announcement Thursday night.
“Last night, Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression. While John has experienced depression on and off throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks.”
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Fetterman is a freshman senator and began his term less than seven weeks ago. He was elected in November after suffering a stroke in May 2022.
“After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs and will soon be back to himself,” Jentleson wrote.
BREAKING: John Fetterman's office says that he checked himself into Walter Reed to be treated for clinical depression. pic.twitter.com/v5JUMnTZju
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 16, 2023
Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, offered words of encouragement for her husband on Twitter. “After what he’s been through in the past year, there’s probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John.” She continued, “I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs.”
After what he’s been through in the past year, there’s probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John. I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs. pic.twitter.com/SfuwWTSUcG
— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 16, 2023
Bipartisan words of support quickly rushed in.
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-NY, wrote, “I admire Senator John Fetterman for openly seeking treatment for depression at Walter Reed… Millions of Americans are rooting for you, Senator.”
David Marcus of the Daily Mail tweeted, “I wish all the best for John Fetterman. Depression is awful, and it’s brave to seek help.”
I wish all the best for John Fetterman. Depression is awful, and it’s brave to seek help.
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) February 16, 2023
But not everyone viewed the announcement as a tale of bravery.
Dan McLaughlin of National Review said it was hypocritical to criticize NY Rep. George Santos for lying about his record but not John Fetterman for lying about his health conditions.
“Isn’t John Fetterman brave in dealing with conditions he concealed from voters during the election?” he said sarcastically.
"Remove George Santos from office because he lied to voters to get elected!"
"Isn't John Fetterman brave in dealing with conditions he concealed from voters during the election?"
Same people.
— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) February 17, 2023
Fetterman suffered a stroke just ahead of the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary. Voters were assured by his campaign that the stroke was minor, but the severity of the condition quickly became evident on the campaign trail. Fetterman developed auditory processing issues, which were apparent during a widely-publicized debate with opponent Mehmet Oz.
In October, the campaign released a statement from Fetterman’s doctor Clifford Chen claiming that his patient had recovered well and “has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.” Chen was also a donor to the campaign.
On Feb. 8, Fetterman was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital after feeling lightheaded during a Senate retreat. He was discharged two days later after being monitored.
“I feel sorry for John Fetterman in some ways,” Wrote Brigitte Gabriel of ACT for America. “He was pushed to run for office by his ambitious wife and was forced to stay in the race after having a stroke by the DNC.”
I feel sorry for John Fetterman in some ways. He was pushed to run for office by his ambitious wife and was forced to stay in the race after having a stroke by the DNC.
Now he's facing physical and mental health issues and has a full 6-year term to serve. This shouldn't happen.
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) February 16, 2023
Fetterman’s wife and campaign staff have been the subject of criticism since it was first announced that he would not withdraw following the stroke. Critics have suggested that Fetterman was coerced to run by those around him.
“[I] maintain that the worst people of the 2022 cycle are the miserable self-serving goblins who forced/convinced this poor man to seek office. Sen. Fetterman is safer being trapped in a box of Tasmanian devils than being around his family and campaign advisors.”
i maintain that the worst people of the 2022 cycle are the miserable self-serving goblins who forced/convinced this poor man to seek office. Sen. Fetterman is safer being trapped in a box of Tasmanian devils than being around his family and campaign advisors. https://t.co/jIGx2KNQ8b
— T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) February 16, 2023
“This man was forced to run by a power-hungry wife who wanted to go from illegal to the wife of a Senator. Now he’s laid up in a depression because of that witch. That woman is no better than Meghan Markle.”
John Fetterman is mentally and physically unfit to serve as the Senator from Pennsylvania.
This man was forced to run by a power-hungry wife who wanted to go from illegal to the wife of a Senator.
Now he’s laid up in a depression because of that witch.
That woman is no better… https://t.co/bOnFtlB1nZ
— Joey M. (@JoeyFromPhilly) February 16, 2023
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If Fetterman were to resign, Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro would appoint his replacement. A special election would be held the following year to determine who would finish his term.
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