PHILADELPHIA, PA – Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman revealed last week that he has lost his “ability to fully process language,” contradicting prior statements from his family, physicians, and colleagues who had asserted he was in full health.
Fetterman made the revelation during a Senate hearing, stating that he relies on transcription technology to communicate with his family and staff. His speech impairment became a point of concern after he suffered a stroke during his 2022 Senate campaign. Despite the stroke, medical professionals declared him fit to “work full duty,” and he continued his political activities, ultimately winning Pennsylvania’s Senate race.
His condition came into focus again when he struggled to speak during a debate against his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, in the 2022 senatorial race. Despite the challenges, Fetterman received backing from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, among others, and won the election.
Adam Jentleson, a top aide to Fetterman, suggested in 2023 that returning to the campaign trail too quickly after his stroke likely resulted in permanent brain damage. Still, Fetterman resisted calls for his resignation and was supported by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who dismissed any such demands.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently abolished the Senate’s dress code, a move now colloquially referred to as the “Fetterman rule,” eliciting protests from Republican lawmakers.
Fetterman, known for his casual attire, was rated one of the most stylish people of 2022 by The New York Times. He was admitted to the hospital for clinical depression earlier this year and was discharged in March. Despite using a voice-to-text transcription service in his professional role, Fetterman continues to experience difficulties with speech and auditory processing.