Two more aides have recently departed from Senator John Fetterman’s office, adding to the growing list of staff exits amidst concerns about his shifting political persona and health.
The Departures of Madeleine Marr and Caroline Shaffer
Madeleine Marr and Caroline Shaffer, two aides from Fetterman’s team, have left their positions, as reported by sources familiar with the situation. Their departures occurred just before New York magazine published an article raising questions about the senator’s mental and physical well-being.
Leading up to the publication of the article, Fetterman’s staff had been anticipating its release. Despite the concerns raised, Fetterman has refuted claims of being unfit to serve, dismissing the report as a biased representation.
Responses and Reactions
When approached for comments, a spokesperson for Fetterman declined to provide a statement. Similarly, Shaffer and Marr have not responded to requests for their input. Both individuals had been part of Fetterman’s office since early 2023, according to Legistorm, a congressional data website, which listed them as legislative assistants.
Over the past year and a half, Fetterman has seen the departure of key personnel, including his former chief of staff, top communications aides, and legislative director.
Concerns and Controversies
Besides health-related worries, former staffers have expressed unease over Fetterman’s staunch support for Israel and his recent meeting with ex-President Donald Trump. Despite distancing himself from the ‘progressive’ label during his 2022 Senate campaign, Fetterman endorsed certain left-wing policies and backed Senator Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential race.
Defenders of Fetterman, many of whom hail from conservative circles, argue that he is being targeted by progressives due to his occasional divergence from Democratic Party norms. An op-ed in the Wall Street Journal suggested that Fetterman’s moderation leads some on the left to question his mental acuity.
It remains to be seen how these departures and controversies will shape Fetterman’s future political endeavors and the dynamics within his office.
