Senator Fetterman Blasts WSJ 'Hit Piece'

Sen. John Fetterman on Sunday dismissed former aides as “a hit piece from disgruntled staffers” pushing “smears,” after they accused him of indifference to Senate work and routinely skipping constituent meetings.

The first-term Pennsylvania Democrat broke his silence after The Wall Street Journal published text messages and cited ex-staffers who said he has grown more interested in courting conservative media than in the duties of a U.S. senator. Fetterman, who did not respond to the Journal’s requests for comment, issued a statement to CNN calling the story “the third hit piece from disgruntled staffers.”

“Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous,” he said. “No matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.”

John Fetterman

He addressed three leaked texts from the Journal report, saying they were “stripped of any context and circumstances.” In one September exchange, Fetterman asked why he had to “keep having to meet” with officials from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. An aide replied that they were worried about Medicaid cuts. Fetterman wrote: “Well, I’m not.”

He later called that remark a “dumb joke” and apologized, saying he has met with CHOP officials “virtually and in person” and that his office “always has, and always will, advocate for CHOP.” He pointed to a photo he posted on X.

Former staffers have since created an anonymous X account and threatened to release more unflattering details. Fetterman faces sagging approval ratings inside his own party amid clashes with the left over Israel, Iran and immigration as he looks toward a possible 2028 reelection bid. In July he warned he would leave the Democratic Party if it adopts an anti-Israel policy.