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Senator John Fetterman’s health has declined since his stroke, leading to concerns about his behavior and well-being.
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Gisele Fetterman has been absent from Capitol Hill for months, with reports of tension in their relationship.
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Fetterman’s staff and family have raised concerns over his lifestyle and decisions, including missing family events and trips without notice.
Senator John Fetterman’s wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, has not been seen on Capitol Hill for several months now. This comes at a time when her husband’s health is under increasing scrutiny. Fetterman, 55, had a stroke in May 2022 during his Senate campaign. Since then, he has struggled with ongoing health issues, including audio-visual impairment. To manage his condition at work, Fetterman now relies on his iPhone to translate incoming questions. Despite his challenges, he has continued to fulfill his duties as a senator. However, his behavior and health have raised serious concerns.
Reports of Fetterman’s Worsening Health
A recent report from New York Magazine painted a troubling picture of Fetterman’s health and behavior. Staff members have noticed a marked decline in his emotional and mental state. The senator sometimes appears despondent, while at other times, he seems manic and erratic. These shifts have left staff members confused, with some admitting they no longer recognize the man they once knew. In addition to mood swings, Fetterman’s health issues are compounded by his stroke. He spent time at Walter Reed hospital in March 2023 for treatment of depression. His doctors have raised alarms about his lifestyle choices, such as eating fast food multiple times a day and not following his prescribed medication regimen. These concerns about his well-being continue to grow.
Gisele’s Involvement and Her Absence
Throughout her husband’s recovery, Gisele has played a prominent role. She has always been a visible figure in his public life, especially after he won the Senate seat in 2022. The couple, who married in 2008, shares three children. However, Gisele’s presence has been noticeably absent in recent months. Sources have reported that she has not been seen at all this year on Capitol Hill. One staffer said, “I haven’t seen her once.” In a January 2024 interview, Fetterman dismissed rumors about a possible separation. He stated that he and Gisele were closer than ever. But recent reports suggest otherwise. Tensions between the couple appear to be growing, particularly regarding Fetterman’s health and political views.
Tensions Between Fetterman and Gisele
The relationship between Fetterman and Gisele has become strained, with political disagreements playing a significant role. Gisele, a vocal progressive, has reportedly clashed with her husband over his stance on Israel. After the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel, Gisele questioned how he could support Israel in the face of the violence. According to one staffer, Gisele said to her husband, “How can you support this?” This disagreement highlights the differences between the two, especially as Gisele has been very outspoken about her views on human rights and international issues.
Gisele’s concerns about her husband’s health have also been publicly expressed. In one instance, she sent a text to a staff member expressing alarm over Fetterman’s behavior. She wrote, “Everyone here is feeling alarmed.” At another point, she raised fears about Fetterman having access to his Twitter account, saying, “Please promise me that he’ll never have access.” Her actions show a growing concern for both his physical and mental well-being.
Gisele’s Frustration with Fetterman’s Health Decline
As Fetterman’s health continued to decline, Gisele’s frustration became more evident. One former staffer recalls overhearing Gisele in December saying to Fetterman, “Who did I marry? Where is the man I married?” These comments indicate the strain in their relationship and Gisele’s distress over her husband’s condition. Further tensions arose when Fetterman made a trip to Connecticut in March without informing his staff or family. This led to confusion, especially when Gisele and staffers had no idea where Fetterman was or what he was doing. Gisele reportedly demanded answers when Fetterman missed one of their children’s birthdays, adding to the strain on their relationship.
The Mystery of Fetterman’s March Trip
Fetterman later defended his trip, explaining he visited a friend’s grave site in Connecticut. He claimed it was a trip that both his staff and family knew about. However, this explanation was disputed. Gisele and the Senate staff were unaware of his plans. The situation grew more complicated when Fetterman missed an important family event, raising more questions about his commitment to his family and responsibilities. This only added to the uncertainty surrounding his health and personal life.
Fetterman’s Denial and the Ongoing Mystery
Both Fetterman and Gisele have publicly denied the claims made in the New York Magazine report. Fetterman dismissed the article as a “hit piece” and criticized the outlet for its bias. Despite their denials, questions about Gisele’s absence and Fetterman’s health continue to linger. A second Senate staffer told the Daily Mail, “I haven’t seen her recently, but I didn’t see her a ton before.” This suggests that Gisele’s absence from Capitol Hill may not be entirely unusual, though her lack of public presence has certainly raised eyebrows.
Fetterman’s behavior at work has also become more noticeable. He has been spotted sitting alone in a courtyard during work hours, which staffers found unusual. One staffer described it as “strange” to see a senator relaxing outside while others are hard at work. In Washington, senators are typically busy with meetings and legislative duties, so Fetterman’s decision to spend time outdoors raised further questions about his priorities and mental state.
Fetterman’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The mystery surrounding his health, Gisele’s absence, and their relationship continues to grow as more details emerge.
