Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) is facing growing criticism from members of his own party after a new report alleged that he repeatedly skipped constituent meetings and other official responsibilities, including a meeting with three paralyzed veterans.
The veterans traveled from rural Pennsylvania to Washington in June for a previously scheduled meeting with Fetterman about legislation intended to improve their care, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. When they arrived at his Capitol Hill office, staff members informed them that the senator had canceled at the last minute.
Fetterman had reportedly told aides that he was feeling ill and believed he may have eaten something that upset his stomach.
Less than an hour later, however, the senator allegedly arrived at his office without appearing sick and told staff members he was there to conduct a Fox News interview focused on Israel and the war with Iran.
During the television appearance, Fetterman reiterated his strong support for Israel and said he remained proud to defend the country despite criticism over his position.
The Wall Street Journal’s report was based on interviews with more than a dozen former staff members and lawmakers, as well as internal messages and other records. The outlet described a broader pattern in which Fetterman allegedly showed limited interest in some of the routine responsibilities associated with serving in the Senate.
Fetterman’s office did not immediately respond to the Journal’s request for comment about the latest allegations.
The meeting with the veterans was not the only episode drawing scrutiny.
Internal messages reviewed by the Journal also reportedly showed Fetterman questioning whether he would attend the funeral of three Pennsylvania police officers killed in the line of duty.
An aide informed the senator that mourners needed to be seated by 11 a.m. and that the service would last at least three hours because three fallen detectives were being honored.
“3 hours??” Fetterman reportedly replied before writing, “This may be a non-starter.”
Fetterman ultimately did not attend the Sept. 25 funeral for Detective Sgt. Cody Becker and Detectives Mark Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser.
The three officers were killed and two others wounded during an ambush while attempting to arrest a suspected stalker. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) joined hundreds of mourners at the service.
The revelations quickly drew criticism from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) called Fetterman a “disgrace” and accused the senator of failing to perform the duties of his office.
Other Pennsylvania Democrats also criticized Fetterman following publication of the Journal report, including lawmakers who questioned his level of engagement with constituents and Senate responsibilities.
The controversy comes as Fetterman has become increasingly distant from parts of the Democratic Party over both domestic and foreign policy.
His staunch support for Israel has repeatedly separated him from Democrats who have become increasingly critical of the Israeli government. He has also broken with his party on immigration, government funding and several Trump administration nominees.
Earlier this year, Fetterman described the Democratic Party as becoming an “orgy of socialism” while criticizing several left-wing candidates.
He also became the lone Senate Democrat to oppose a resolution seeking to restrict President Donald Trump’s military authority against Iran, another example of his willingness to cross party lines on national security issues, per the Daily Mail.
The Journal reported that Fetterman had also become less involved with Democratic caucus activities after being passed over for a seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Former aides alleged that he blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for the decision and subsequently stopped regularly attending Democratic lunches and internal meetings.
When staff members told Fetterman that Schumer’s team was organizing a special call for Democratic senators in March 2025, he reportedly responded, “I truly don’t care.”
Fetterman has previously defended his performance in office and emphasized his work with Republicans on issues including border security and Israel. He has also said he remains a Democrat despite disagreements with his party.
The latest report has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the first-term senator as Pennsylvania Democrats openly criticize his conduct and political isolation ahead of his 2028 reelection cycle.
