Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman went back to Washington on March 31 after spending more than a month at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Fetterman had been diagnosed with clinical depression, and while the senator assured constituents that he was ready to work, his latest performance has some observers shaking their heads.  

Fetterman struggles to speak

According to Fox News, Fetterman resumed his duties as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research on Wednesday.

However, video footage shows that the Pennsylvania Democrat noticeably struggled as he attempted to deliver his opening remarks.

John Fetterman chaired a subcommittee hearing today.

Here is his opening statement. pic.twitter.com/Y6EHYkhkBZ

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 19, 2023

In response, reporter Breanna Morelo brought up the fact that many in the media downplayed the stroke Fetterman suffered during last year's senate campaign.

Reporter calls out those who downplayed Fetterman's stroke

"Remember when they scolded you for criticizing a man with a ‘disability’ during his campaign? Well—here he is attempting to do his job after coming back from a 2 month vacation…" she tweeted.

I’ve heard second graders with better reading abilities than this.

This is just sad. https://t.co/e38tE7cFmC

— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) April 19, 2023

Fetterman spokesperson says Republicans "get their jollies" by mocking disability

Meanwhile, conservative children's author Ashley St. Clair compared listening to Fetterman's comments with a drug trip.

listening to john fetterman’s opening statement makes me feel like i took a bong rip pic.twitter.com/R0lZ5KJ1An

— Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) April 19, 2023

Joe Calvello serves as a spokesperson for Fetterman, and he responded by taking aim at the senator's critics, saying it's "a sad but true fact of life that some people seem to get their jollies attacking John for the auditory processing issues resulting from his stroke but they’re just shouting into the wind."

"Republicans already tried emptying the arsenal attacking John’s health and Pennsylvanians had his back in a big way," Calvello continued, adding, "As a senator, John is fighting for forgotten communities and all of the people of Pennsylvania, regardless of their social media habits."