Gisele Barreto Fetterman, the wife of Senator John Fetterman, has notably been absent from Capitol Hill recently, despite growing concerns about her husband’s health.
While her absence has sparked curiosity, it comes after a report brought attention to the senator’s ongoing health struggles.
Fetterman’s Health Struggles
In May 2022, Senator John Fetterman suffered a stroke during his campaign for Senate, a medical event that has since had lasting effects on his health.
The 55-year-old has struggled with audio-visual impairments and relies on an iPhone to translate questions during public appearances.
According to a detailed report from New York Magazine, former and current staff members shared their observations of Fetterman’s fluctuating behavior, describing him as appearing either “despondent” or “manic and unhinged” at different times.
The report also shed light on Fetterman’s time at Walter Reed Hospital in March 2023 for depression and his subsequent neglect of necessary rehabilitation, including regular bloodwork and medication.
Gisele’s Changing Role
When John Fetterman first took office, Gisele, 43, was frequently seen at her husband’s side as he navigated recovery from the stroke.
However, sources now tell Daily Mail that she hasn’t been spotted with him on Capitol Hill this year, despite the ongoing concerns surrounding his health.
One Senate staffer anonymously expressed, “I haven’t seen her once,” adding that Fetterman’s behavior may not have seemed as concerning in person as it appeared in media reports.
In a January 2024 interview with Daily Mail, Fetterman mentioned his wife being in his office at the time, highlighting their close relationship despite his demanding schedule.
But as time has passed, her presence has noticeably decreased around the Capitol.
Tensions Between the Couple
The New York Magazine report also revealed some tension between the Fettermans.
Staffers recalled overhearing heated exchanges between the couple, particularly regarding Fetterman’s public support for Israel amidst the war with Hamas.
Gisele reportedly voiced her opposition to her husband’s stance, questioning, “How can you support this?” after the October 7 attack.
In another instance, she reached out to a staffer, expressing her frustration and asking for help in distancing herself from her husband’s views.
The couple’s conflicts seem to have extended beyond political differences.
According to sources, Gisele was left perplexed and upset when her husband took a secretive trip to Connecticut in March, leaving her and his staff unaware of his whereabouts.
Gisele later confronted Fetterman’s staff, expressing her distress over his absence during their child’s birthday.
Health Concerns and Fetterman’s Behavior
Concerns about Fetterman’s health also came to a head when a Senate physician allegedly saw him behaving strangely near the Senate subway, almost running into a group of tourists.
The physician’s call to Fetterman’s office prompted Gisele to speak directly with her husband, expressing concern about his health.
She even asked Fetterman’s staff to prevent him from using his social media account during this time, worried it might exacerbate his condition.
In another incident in December 2024, staff overheard a particularly tense argument between the Fettermans.
Gisele reportedly asked, “Who did I marry? Where is the man I married?” as tensions continued to rise.
Gisele Responds to Media Reports
When asked for comment, Gisele blamed her husband’s staff, particularly his former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, for spreading false narratives.
She stated that any concerns raised about her husband were fabricated and did not reflect the views of medical professionals or her own observations.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s unclear what lies ahead for the Fetterman family and the senator’s political career.