Full Breakdown
Senator John Fetterman’s Chief-of-Staff Resignation Highlights Ongoing Turmoil
5/22/2026, 4:47:00 AM
Chief of Staff Resignation
Cabelle St. John, who had served as Senator John Fetterman’s chief of staff since June 2025, announced her departure in the coming weeks. St. John began as the senator’s scheduler in January 2023, rose to senior advisor in March 2024, and was promoted to deputy chief of staff a year later. Her exit marks the third chief-of-staff turnover for Fetterman since he entered the Senate in 2022.
Background & Context
Fetterman’s office has experienced frequent staff changes. Adam Jentleson, the first chief of staff, resigned after raising concerns about the senator’s mental health and a perceived shift to the right. Krysta Sinclair Juris succeeded Jentleson and also left before St. John’s appointment. Reports link the turnover to Fetterman’s policy positions—particularly his strong support for Israel during the Gaza war and his alignment with Republican stances on Iran—and to his close relationship with David “Dovi” Safier, a fundraiser for Orthodox-Jewish causes who has attended sensitive meetings, including calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) – Senate member whose foreign-policy positions have drawn criticism from progressive Democrats.
- Cabelle St. John – Outgoing chief of staff, longest-serving aide in Fetterman’s office.
- David “Dovi” Safier – Unofficial adviser and fundraiser, described as having “unusually large influence.”
- Adam Jentleson – Former chief of staff, public commentator on Fetterman’s health and political direction.
- Krysta Sinclair Juris – Former chief of staff preceding St. John.
Data & Statistics
- A February Quinnipiac University poll found 62 % of Pennsylvania Democratic voters disapproved of Fetterman’s job performance.
- A separate poll of Republican respondents showed approximately 75 % approval of Fetterman’s Senate work.
- Since 2022, three chiefs of staff have resigned, indicating a turnover rate higher than the average for Senate offices.
Official Statements & Responses
Fetterman dismissed the New York Magazine story that highlighted staff concerns as a “hit piece,” stating it relied on “two or three anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things.” In a text message to reporters, he responded to the resignation news with: “So much for the turnover issue. Clicks!” and shared a graphic comparing his office’s turnover to other congressional offices.
Criticism & Opposition
Former chief of staff Adam Jentleson publicly questioned Fetterman’s mental health, saying, “Part of the tragedy here is that this is a man who could be leading Democrats out of the wilderness… but I also think he’s struggling in a way that shouldn’t be hidden from the public.” A departing employee described Fetterman as a “useful idiot for Republicans,” reflecting frustration over his policy shifts and perceived alignment with the GOP.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the extent to which mental-health concerns versus policy disagreements drive staff departures. Some reports emphasize Fetterman’s isolation from colleagues and reliance on Safier, while others frame the turnover as typical for high-profile offices. The senator’s office did not comment on the resignation beyond the text-message response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Part of the tragedy here is that this is a man who could be leading Democrats out of the wilderness,” — Adam Jentleson, former chief of staff
- “It involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things,” — John Fetterman, CNN interview, 2025
- “So much for the turnover issue. Clicks!” — John Fetterman, text message to reporters
- “I think John is on a bad trajectory and I’m really worried about him,” — Adam Jentleson, email to Walter Reed Hospital
- “useful idiot for Republicans.” — Unnamed former aide, quoted in Tampa FP
What’s Next
Fetterman faces potential primary challengers in 2028, including former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb and current Representatives Chris Deluzio and Brendan Boyle. Polling suggests his support among Pennsylvania Democrats remains low, while Republican approval stays high. The senator’s office will need to appoint a new chief of staff amid ongoing scrutiny of his policy positions and staff management.
