Freshman Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio reportedly referred to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, as a “drooling moron” in a comment to The New York Times. The remark came during an in-depth report on Democratic Sen John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, whose absenteeism and mental health have drawn scrutiny and criticism on Capitol Hill.
“Chuck Schumer is a drooling moron compared to John Fetterman,” Moreno said, according to the New York Times. Moreno also called Fetterman a “really, really cool dude.”
In recent months, Fetterman has increasingly aligned with Republicans on several key issues. He has strongly supported Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack, expressed skepticism toward Democratic calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, criticized elements of cancel culture, and voiced support for tougher immigration enforcement.
Fetterman was hospitalized for depression shortly after taking office. “It shook me that people are willing to weaponize that I got help,” he told The New York Times. “This became the Belichick girlfriend story of politics,” Fetterman added, referencing the viral media fixation on NFL coach Bill Belichick’s much-younger girlfriend.
The New York Times profile revealed that Fetterman, once considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, has become increasingly isolated in Washington. He has distanced himself from both his staff and Democratic colleagues, opting out of the party’s caucus group chat, regularly skipping weekly lunches, and missing dozens of floor votes.
Although Fetterman denied any plans to switch parties, he told the outlet that he values his relationships with Republican colleagues and aligns with them on several high-profile issues while still identifying as pro-union and pro-choice.
Facing growing scrutiny over his mental health and fitness for office, Fetterman has entered damage control mode, increasingly showing up for hearings and votes he had previously skipped. While some colleagues have privately expressed concerns about his prolonged absences and behavior when present, many are trying to offer support.
Fetterman has made clear that he takes little enjoyment in the committee hearings and Senate proceedings he has attended in recent weeks, part of an effort to demonstrate that he is capable of fulfilling his duties through the end of his term in 2028. At a critical moment for the nation, he appears largely disengaged from the routine responsibilities of serving in the U.S. Senate.
