Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said his mental illness was being “weaponized” against him by the media after a bombshell report resurfaced his ongoing struggle with depression. 

In recent weeks, he’s appeared in the Capitol for committee meetings to show his capability of fulfilling the role he’s been elected to serve in until 2028. 

“My doctor warned years ago: After it’s public that you are getting help for depression, people will weaponize that,” Fetterman told the New York Times. 

“Simple things are turned. That’s exactly what happened. It shook me that people are willing to weaponize that I got help,” he continued. 

Former staffers had described the lawmaker’s behavior in a recent article, alleging that past treatment and coping mechanisms had faded from Fetterman’s daily routine, creating a hostile work environment. 

However, the Pennsylvania senator told the New York Times that his openness surrounding mental illness has spiraled into the “Belichick girlfriend story of politics,” referring to the University of North Carolina football coach whose partner has become a revolving name in headlines. 

Fetterman said his decision to be absent at committee votes were conscious choices he made to prioritize his family over his work in Washington.

“The votes I missed were overwhelmingly procedural; they’re even called ‘bed check’ votes,” he said. “I had to make a decision: getting here and sticking my thumb in the door for three seconds for a procedural vote or spend Monday night as a dad-daughter date.”

Another time, Fetterman said he went to visit his father who’s recovering from a heart attack. 

Amidst internal struggles, Fetterman has met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for support and a separate meeting with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-N.Y.) to discuss his focus for the Agriculture Committee. 

“I enjoy working with him and appreciate his perspectives,” she told the Times.

Despite their confidence in the lawmaker’s ability to perform his duties, some constituents have raised concerns with his absences.