OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A photo of Sen. John Fetterman has once again gone viral and not for flattering reasons.
The Pennsylvania Democrat was pictured holding an odd flag that led to plenty of negative responses from social media users.
Fetterman, who received treatment for clinical depression and was recently discharged from the hospital, used Twitter to commemorate 4/20, a holiday widely celebrated by marijuana enthusiasts around the globe, on Thursday.
“It’s 4:20 on 4/20. That’s the tweet,” said the post, above a photo of Fetterman holding a flag saying, “It’s 420 somewhere” that featured a marijuana leaf in the background. The phrase ‘420’ is slang for pot.
It’s 4:20 on 4/20. That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/eG34QREjzP
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 20, 2023
Users on social media blasted Fetterman for not only promoting the use of a drug, but one that remains illegal under federal law — though no administration has enforced it since states began making it ‘legal’ during President Obama’s time in office.
“You’re encouraging a federal crime,” said one user. “Seems on brand, actually.”
Another wrote that “Rehab did not help,” while another user said, “Should probably lay off the ganja until your mental faculties improve.”
“I don’t have a problem with cannabis, but as a leader and role model for youth, this is not appropriate. Not one bit surprising for you though,” said another user.
BlazeTV host Sara Gonzales noted: “The position of a senator is supposed to be one of the most well-respected, honorable positions in the country. We’ve gone so far downhill that it’s been reduced to a vegetable wearing basketball shorts holding a banner encouraging drug use. Pathetic.”
Finance guru Matt Antar added: “You’re a sitting US Senator. Flagrantly promoting drug use is pretty disgusting for someone in your position.”
Fetterman made his return to Congress on Monday, but video and photos of his appearance quickly went viral and led to new concerns from Republicans.
The freshman Democrat showed up in a black hoodie and shorts after six weeks of treatment for clinical depression.
The senator declined to answer any questions from the press as he entered the Capitol, which was one of the few visits since assuming office in January, Fox News reported.
“It’s great to be back. Thank you,” he repeatedly said as he walked into the building.
Democrat Senator John Fetterman refuses to take questions as he returns to the Capitol for the first time since mid-February pic.twitter.com/JyTRQ1sIKe
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 17, 2023
Several conservatives responded to Fetterman’s arrival and appearance.
“Welcome back to John Fetterman, further proof that cognition, speech comprehension, emotional balance, and even showing up for work are no longer necessary for a career in Democrat politics!” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk noted.
“How could anyone take the calls for @SenFeinstein to step down seriously when the DEMs spend more than a year excusing the deteriorating health of @JohnFetterman? If you supported Fetterman running for Senate or didn’t raise concerns about his health, please take several seats,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) added.
Fox News noted that Fetterman was scheduled to chair his first subcommittee hearing days after returning from his weeks-long absence.
On Monday morning, his office issued a statement confirming that he was set to preside over his inaugural hearing on Wednesday. The statement also criticized Republicans for their efforts to enforce stricter work requirements for individuals receiving food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“Cut SNAP for families and kids while pushing tax cuts for billionaires?” the brief statement began. “Not on my watch.”
“Sen. Fetterman on Wednesday will chair his first subcommittee hearing in the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research for a hearing will focus specifically on SNAP and the critical assistance it provides to working families through the upcoming Farm Bill,” his office noted further in the press release.
Fetterman’s brain injury following a near-fatal stroke in May 2022 has likely left him with permanent damage, according to his chief of staff.
In February, his office announced that he had left the hospital after a two-day stay after the Pennsylvania Democrat suffered an episode of dizziness.
As the 53-year-old senator began day three in the hospital for what his team called “lightheadedness.” The New York Times said that some of those close to Fetterman are concerned about his health.
Not long afterward, he checked into the Walter Reed Medical Center on the advice of the congressional physician to undergo treatment for clinical depression.
