Republican senator shows support for Fetterman: ‘Radical left is smearing him’

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on his colleague: “John Fetterman and I have our differences, but he’s a decent and genuine guy. The radical left is smearing him with dishonest, vicious attacks because he’s pro-Israel and they only want reliable anti-Israel politicians. Disgraceful.” EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL VIA AP

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., shared his support for Sen. John Fetterman amid growing pushback from some members of the Democratic Party.

Several anonymous Democratic sources have come forward in recent weeks saying the Pennsylvania Democrat’s colleagues are concerned for his wellbeing. Fetterman is a vocal moderate among Democrats and often champions Republican talking points such as support for Israel.

Cotton said these reports reflect poorly on Fetterman and called for others to share their support.

“John Fetterman and I have our differences, but he’s a decent and genuine guy,” Cotton wrote. “The radical left is smearing him with dishonest, vicious attacks because he’s pro-Israel and they only want reliable anti-Israel politicians. Disgraceful.”

Fetterman, 55, allegedly had a blowup during a recent closed-door meeting in his Washington office with union allies and former staff aides who aired concerns about his mental health, according to the Associated Press.

A source told AP that Fetterman began repeating himself, shouting and questioning why “everybody is mad at me,” “why does everyone hate me, what did I ever do” and slamming his hands on a desk.

That meeting came the day before New York Magazine ran a story about Fetterman. It included a 2024 letter, also obtained by AP, in which Adam Jentleson, a former chief of staff for Fetterman, told a neuropsychiatrist who had treated Fetterman for depression that the senator appeared to be off his recovery plan and was exhibiting alarming behavior, according to AP.

Fetterman has a history of health challenges. He suffered a stroke in 2022 that he credited for giving him “freedom” to speak his mind in an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

The near-death experience, he said last year, taught him he no longer wants to “be afraid of if there’s any kind of blowback.” The senator has also earned widespread attention for his relaxed dress code on the Senate floor, often seen wearing sweatshirts and shorts.

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