Sen. John Fetterman is facing unusually fierce criticism from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats following a Wall Street Journal report questioning his engagement with some of the basic responsibilities of his office.
The backlash has moved beyond ordinary disagreements over policy, with prominent Democrats now openly pointing toward 2028 and suggesting Pennsylvania voters should replace him.
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The report, based partly on internal communications and interviews with former staff members, portrayed Fetterman as frequently resistant to constituent meetings, public appearances and other traditional Senate responsibilities while devoting considerable attention to Israel and media appearances.
Fetterman and his office did not respond to requests for comment cited in the reports, the WSJ noted.
Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., responded by declaring that Fetterman was “not up for the high office he was elected to” and warning that Pennsylvania would “do something about it in 2028.”
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“There is a lot I could say about this report of John Fetterman’s pathetic behavior as a senator,” Deluzio wrote, accusing him of “laziness” and “disrespect.”
Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., offered an equally harsh assessment, calling Fetterman “a disgrace” and accusing him of being too lazy to perform the job.
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The Journal highlighted internal communications involving Fetterman and his staff that quickly became ammunition for his Democratic critics.
In one exchange, an aide informed Fetterman that representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia wanted to meet over concerns involving vaccines and Medicaid cuts.
Fetterman questioned the need for another meeting and reportedly responded, “I’m convinced they just want free trips to D.C.”
Another exchange involved a funeral for three Pennsylvania police officers, with an aide informing Fetterman that the service had a dress code and was expected to last approximately three hours.
“This may be a nonstarter,” Fetterman reportedly replied.
The criticism represents a striking development for a politician who entered the Senate in 2023 after campaigning as a progressive populist and longtime supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Since arriving in Washington, however, Fetterman has increasingly broken with other Democrats on several prominent issues, particularly Israel, immigration and aspects of President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Fetterman also joined Republicans during a government funding fight and has supported several Trump administration nominees.
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Among them was former Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, whom Trump nominated as secretary of Homeland Security and the Senate confirmed 54-45 in March.
Fetterman voted for Mullin’s confirmation, citing his relationship with his former Senate colleague and saying the country needed leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.
He notably voted against another Trump nominee, Dr. Mehmet Oz, his Republican opponent in Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate election.
Fetterman has repeatedly rejected speculation that his disagreements with Democrats mean he intends to switch parties, and his overall voting record continues to include substantial alignment with his Democratic colleagues.
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The anger surrounding the latest report, however, centers less on Fetterman’s ideology than allegations about his willingness to perform the everyday responsibilities expected of a senator.
That frustration has spread beyond Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who also serves as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.
“This report is horrifying, but not new to many of us in PA,” Kenyatta wrote, accusing Fetterman of frequently being absent both as lieutenant governor and as senator.
Kenyatta also criticized Fetterman’s frequent appearances on Fox News and his positions on Israel before ending his message with an unmistakable reference to the senator’s next election.
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“2028 can’t come soon enough,” he wrote.
Fetterman’s current term expires after the 2028 election, meaning Democrats unhappy with his performance would have an opportunity to challenge him in the party’s Senate primary, Fox News reported.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that potential Democratic challengers are already considering possible 2028 campaigns as Fetterman becomes increasingly isolated from parts of his party.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
