Fetterman called to 'step aside' by Philadelphia Inquirer if disengaged or mental health issues too severe

"Being a U.S. senator is a serious job that requires full-time engagement," the editorial board continued. "If Fetterman wants to continue to serve, then he must take his position seriously."

"Well, for me, it's very clear, which is part of like this weird smear, this thing," Fetterman said, pointing to his support for Israel, a strong border and his vote to avoid a government shutdown. "I've continued [to] get more and more kinds of incoming and those things, and all of those things. So, the more kinds of left kind of media continue to have these kinds of an attack, and it's just part of a smear, and it's just not accurate."

The Inquirer accused Fetterman of schmoozing Trump.

"It's time for Fetterman to serve Pennsylvanians, or step away," the Inquirer concluded. 

The report went on to claim the lawmaker was "nearly struck by a car" and found "wandering" Capitol Hill. 

"Former and current staffers paint a picture of an erratic senator who has become almost impossible to work for and whose mental-health situation is more serious and complicated than previously reported," the article read.

Fetterman was hospitalized for clinical depression shortly after taking office in 2023. He spent about six weeks in treatment before being released. 

Fetterman's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.