WSJ Report Accuses Fetterman of Neglecting Senate Duties as Democratic Approval Falls to 19%
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 4
WSJ Report Accuses Fetterman of Neglecting Senate Duties as Democratic Approval Falls to 19%
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 4
Summary
More than a dozen former staffers and lawmakers told the Wall Street Journal that John Fetterman repeatedly neglected Senate responsibilities, citing canceled constituent meetings, skipped hearings and abandoned public commitments.
The report says he scrapped a June meeting with paralyzed veterans to appear on Fox News, brushed off Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's concerns about Medicaid cuts, and backed out of a 2025 funeral for three slain police officers.
Those allegations land as Fetterman is already clashing with Democrats over Iran, support for some Trump nominees and a reversal on the filibuster; he has also lost three chiefs of staff since taking office in 2023.
A July Quinnipiac poll showed his approval among Democrats at 19%, versus 77% among Republicans, while 52% of voters said he should leave the Democratic Party.
Fetterman says he will not switch parties and believes he could still win a Democratic primary, though he is not up for reelection until 2028.