Sen. John Fetterman is facing a full-blown revolt from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats after leaked text messages and a damaging new report raised questions about his willingness to perform some of the basic duties expected of a U.S. senator.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Fetterman repeatedly resisted meetings with constituents, skipped events and clashed with aides, prompting unusually harsh criticism from Democrats in his home state.
Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., blasted Fetterman after the report surfaced.
“There is a lot I could say about this report of John Fetterman’s pathetic behavior as a senator,” Deluzio 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.
Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., was just as blunt.
“John Fetterman is a disgrace,” Boyle said on X. “Our state deserves better than a lazy trust fund baby who is too lazy to do the job.”
The backlash followed the release of private exchanges between Fetterman and members of his staff that appeared to show the senator pushing back on requests to meet with Pennsylvania constituents and organizations.
This WSJ story on John Fetterman is wild especially on him blowing off a meeting with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who were concerned about Medicaid cards: “Behind closed doors, the first-term senator shows little interest in doing the job beyond cultivating relationships… pic.twitter.com/YgwtOZq4vk
— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) September 4, 2026
In one exchange, an aide told Fetterman that representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia wanted to meet with him over concerns involving Medicaid cuts and vaccines.
“Well, I’m not,” Fetterman responded. “I’m convinced they just want free trips to D.C.”
Another exchange centered on the funeral for three Pennsylvania police officers killed in the line of duty.
An aide told Fetterman there would be a dress code and that the service was expected to last roughly three hours.
“This may be a nonstarter,” Fetterman wrote.
The revelations have poured more fuel on an already bitter divide between Fetterman and members of the Democratic Party who have grown increasingly frustrated with his political direction.
Fetterman entered national politics as a progressive closely associated with many of the same policies championed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
During his successful 2022 Senate campaign, John Fetterman supported universal healthcare, pro-labor policies and higher taxes on wealthy Americans.
Since arriving in Washington, however, Fetterman has broken with Democrats on several major issues and developed a reputation as one of the party’s most unpredictable senators.
He has become an outspoken supporter of Israel, frequently appeared on Fox News and sided with Republicans during several high-profile congressional fights.
Fetterman also helped confirm some nominees backed by President Donald Trump, although he has repeatedly denied speculation that he plans to leave the Democratic Party and become a Republican.
The growing push against him now extends beyond Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation.
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who also serves as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, sharply criticized Fetterman and pointed directly toward the senator’s next election in 2028.
“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.”
The extraordinary attacks from members of Fetterman’s own party show how badly his relationship with Pennsylvania Democrats has deteriorated.
What was once an ideological disagreement has now spilled into an open intraparty feud, with several prominent Democrats publicly signaling that they want a different candidate representing the party when Fetterman’s seat comes up again in 2028.
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