Sen. John Fetterman cited in texts for declining constituent meetings and events
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Newly released text messages suggest Sen. John Fetterman frequently declined requests to meet constituents, attend local events, and participate in hearings, prompting criticism from Pennsylvania officials.
Sen. John Fetterman is reported to have turned down several constituent-service requests, according to text messages obtained by CBS News. The messages, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, show the Pennsylvania Democrat declining meetings with a group of paralyzed military veterans, representatives of a children’s hospital, and funerals for three police officers killed near York, Pennsylvania. In one exchange, Fetterman told a staffer he was sick to avoid meeting the veterans, then appeared on a television program instead.
A former staffer confirmed the accuracy of the messages and said, "> You can't have any sort of substantial conversation with him about any policy or strategy without it becoming completely derailed or unhinged."
The texts also reveal Fetterman questioning why he needed to meet with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to which a staffer replied that the hospital was concerned about vaccines and Medicaid cuts. Fetterman responded, "I'm convinced they just want free trips to DC."
When informed that the police officers’ funeral would last three hours and require a lengthy drive, Fetterman expressed reluctance, noting the ceremony’s duration and travel time.
Democratic Representatives Chris Deluzio and Brendan Boyle criticized the allegations, describing Fetterman's behavior as lazy and disrespectful. The senator’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Fetterman, elected to the Senate in 2022 after a stroke-affected campaign, has at times diverged from his party on issues such as U.S. policy toward Iran and certain confirmation votes.