After a scathing report that called into question Sen. John Fetterman’s willingness to do the basic duties of a senator, some of his Democratic colleagues in Pennsylvania are eyeing ways to dislodge him from the upper chamber.
An explosive report from The Wall Street Journal painted Fetterman as a politician more interested in appearing on Fox News to discuss Israel than meeting with paralyzed veterans from his state, and blowing off a funeral for slain police officers because it would have taken too long.
And members of his own delegation are furious.
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“There is a lot I could say about this report of John Fetterman’s pathetic behavior as a senator,” Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., said on X. “But between the laziness, disrespect, and willingness to carry water for a foreign government, it shows us something we already know: this man has no sense of duty.”
“He is not up for the high office he was elected to — and we in Pennsylvania will do something about it in 2028,” he continued.
Behind the scenes, The Wall Street Journal’s report revealed through leaked text messages between Fetterman and his aides that the lawmaker was unwilling to do some of the core functions of the job, like meeting with constituents.
“John Fetterman is a disgrace,” Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., said on X. “Our state deserves better than a lazy trust fund baby who is too lazy to do the job.”
In one instance, Fetterman was told by an aide that representatives of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) wanted to meet over concerns about Medicaid cuts. Fetterman asked why he had to keep meeting with CHOP, and the aide noted that they were worried about “vaccines and Medicaid cuts.”
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“Well, I’m not,” Fetterman responded. “I’m convinced they just want free trips to D.C.”
Another instance came when an aide told Fetterman that there would be a dress code at a funeral for three police officers killed in Pennsylvania last year, and that the service was expected to last for three hours.
“This may be a nonstarter,” Fetterman wrote.
Years before his time in the Senate, Fetterman rose to prominence as a progressive who appeared to emulate the formula laid out by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who he backed early on in his runs for the White House.
When Fetterman won his seat in 2022 against Dr. Mehmet Oz, who now runs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Fetterman ran on a platform of universal healthcare, pro-labor policies and higher tax rates on wealthy Americans — key hallmarks of progressive politics.
Since ascending to the Senate, however, his voting record has shown a more moderate flair, and questions are swirling over whether he will jump ship and join the GOP. He’s bucked his party on several occasions since taking office, too.
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During the government shutdown fight last year, he joined Republicans as Democrats stayed unified in their push to renew lapsing Obamacare tax credits, has become one of the most vocal proponents of Israel, and helped to confirm some of President Donald Trump’s nominees, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin — notably, he voted against his old political rival Oz.
The desire to boot Fetterman extends beyond just his colleagues in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who is the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, has his sights set on Fetterman, too.
“This report is horrifying, but not new to many of us in PA. John barely showed up as [Lieutenant Governor] and is constantly MIA as our senator,” Kenyatta said on X.
“When he’s not on FOX cheerleading Trump & endless wars, he is attacking the very neighbors who gave him a chance,” he continued. “2028 can’t come soon enough.”
Fetterman did not respond to a request for comment.
