Washington, D.C. — Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is facing sharp criticism after a Wall Street Journal report described a pattern of canceled meetings, limited engagement with legislative work and strained relationships with staff and constituents.
The report alleges Fetterman canceled a meeting with three paralyzed veterans who traveled to Washington to discuss their care, then appeared on Fox News less than an hour later. It also says he showed little interest in meeting with representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who wanted to discuss Medicaid and vaccine-related concerns.
The allegations prompted unusually blunt criticism from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats. Rep. Brendan Boyle called Fetterman “a disgrace,” while Rep. Chris Deluzio accused him of showing “no sense of duty.” Media figures and activists also circulated accounts of difficult interactions with the senator.
The Journal’s reporting, based on interviews with current and former staffers and others familiar with his office, portrays Fetterman as increasingly disengaged from committee hearings and constituent meetings while devoting significant attention to media appearances and issues involving Israel.
Fetterman has previously rejected criticism about his work habits and has remained a frequent presence on television. The new report does not allege criminal wrongdoing, but it has intensified questions about his approach to the job and his relationship with fellow Democrats.
