Fetterman's chief of staff leaves amid string of departures
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman's chief of staff is leaving her post, two people familiar with the matter confirmed to POLITICO on Tuesday. The move is yet another key departure for a congressional office that's been marked by turnover amid mounting questions about the Democrat's health and shifting political persona.
Axios first reported Krysta Sinclair Juris' plans to part ways with Fetterman's office.
POLITICO has learned Cabelle St. John, who previously served as Fetterman's deputy chief of staff, senior adviser and scheduling director, is taking over as his new top aide.
'Cabelle St. John has been a trusted advisor since day 1 in the office. I'm lucky to have her taking over as my Chief of Staff and I'm confident she'll do a great job,' Fetterman said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for Krysta's work. She's been an invaluable member of the team for over two years and I wish her all the best.'
In the last year and a half, the senator's former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, top communications aides and legislative director all left his team. Two more aides departed Fetterman's office in the last couple months.
In a Monday debate in Boston with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Fetterman said that reporting about his missing votes and committee hearings is a 'weird smear.' Previously, he criticized a New York magazine article about former and current aides who expressed concerns about his health 'a one-source hit piece.'
'I'm here. I'm doing that job,' he said in the debate that aired on Fox Nation. 'For me, if I miss some of those quotes — I mean some of those votes — I've made 90 percent of them and, and we all know those votes that I've missed were on Monday; those are travel days, and I have three young kids, and I — those are throwaway procedural votes. … That's a choice that I made, and if you want to attack me for that, go ahead.'
In addition to concerns over his health, some ex-staffers have been frustrated with Fetterman's hardline support of Israel and recent meeting with President Donald Trump.
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A stronger response may be useful for signaling Tehran's continuing resolve to internal and external audiences but it could also bring further U.S. military action and deeper U.S. involvement. Iran could target U.S. military bases and personnel in the Middle East." President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Saturday evening: "ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT. THANK YOU!" Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people." What Happens Next? Iran's foreign minister said after the attack that his country reserves "all options to defend its sovereignty." The U.S. military is preemptively preparing for any attack from Tehran in response. It's unclear whether the War Powers Resolution sponsored by Khanna and Massie, which aims to curb Trump's ability to take military action against Iran, will move forward in the House. However, with Republican control of both chambers of Congress, it is not widely expected to succeed.
