Fetterman says report on him ignoring duties, constituents full of ‘lies' and ‘innuendos'

Sen. John Fetterman minced no words in responding to a bombshell report describing his disinterest in Senate responsibilities, saying the article contained 'lies' and 'smears.' Fetterman spoke to CNN after the Wall Street Journal talked to former staffers and aides and obtained text messages from him in which he seemingly blew off constituent meetings, including one with paralyzed veterans, and the funeral of three slain York County police officers because it was too long. In a statement to CNN, Fetterman derided the Journal report for using unidentified sources. 'Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous,' said Fetterman. 'No matter how many smears or stories, I'm proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.' Fetterman called the article 'the third hit piece from disgruntled staffers' targeting him. New York Magazine reported in May 2025 on concerns current and former staffers, most of them anonymous, had about the senator's erratic behavior and mental health. At the time, Fetterman denounced it as a 'hit piece.' Text messages obtained by the Journal showing him complaining about meeting with officials from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) over Medicaid cuts and balking at attending the officers' funeral last year because it would be three hours long lacked context, claimed Fetterman. The one text thread showed Fetterman asking an aide why he had to meet with CHOP officials and when the aide responded that they were concerned about Medicaid cuts, Fetterman replied, 'Well, I'm not.' Fetterman told CNN that it was a 'dumb joke' that he apologized for but added that he met with CHOP officials 'virtually and in person,' referencing a photo he posted on X. 'My office and I always have, and always will, advocate for CHOP, support their requests and any other needs that we can assist with,' said Fetterman. As for him saying the lengthy officers' funeral was a 'nonstarter' in a text and skipping it, Fetterman did not dispute the exchange, but said he had flowers ordered for the families and publicly expressed his condolences when they were ambushed and killed in September 2025. Fetterman said he attended a fundraiser for the families in June and met with their chief and families. The Journal also reported that Fetterman skipped a meeting with paralyzed veterans about healthcare legislation, claiming to be sick, but then showed up at his office to do an interview with Fox News on which he frequently appears to disparage fellow Democrats. Fetterman told CNN he intended to meet with the veterans but was vomiting at home so he asked his staff to talk to them. 'Hours later, I felt well enough to continue the day as scheduled,' he said. Pennsylvania Democrats already frustrated with Fetterman for his break from the party on various issues ripped him following the Journal's article, saying he is a 'disgrace' and calling on him to resign. An X account apparently by former Fetterman staffers appeared last week and promised more revelations next week. Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, though, took to X to defend his friend. 'These stories are the latest example of outrageously disloyal staff and forces on the Left using anonymous leaks to cancel my friend John Fetterman,' wrote McCormick. 'They hate that he is an independent thinker who refuses to fall into line so they want to silence him.'