Sen. John Fetterman denies allegations he skipped constituent meetings, calls reports smears

Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, responded to a report based on leaked text messages that suggested he dismissed meetings with a children’s hospital and a group of paralyzed veterans. He told CNN the messages were fabricated by "disgruntled" staff members and described the story as a smear campaign.

"Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous," Fetterman said, adding that he remains proud to serve Pennsylvania despite the allegations.

The report, first published by the Wall Street Journal, also claimed Fetterman chose to appear on a television program rather than attend a funeral for slain police officers. Democratic members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation expressed criticism, while Republican Sen. Dave McCormick defended Fetterman, accusing unnamed staff of leaking information to silence him.

"These stories are the latest example of outrageously disloyal staff and forces on the Left using anonymous leaks to cancel my friend John Fetterman," McCormick wrote on X.

Fetterman said he would not oppose McCormick if the latter runs for re-election and highlighted a joint fundraising effort they launched earlier in the year. He also noted recent bipartisan activities, such as touring a local chicken-processing plant together.

Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio, a progressive from southwest Pennsylvania, called Fetterman's conduct "pathetic" and said he lacks a sense of duty, indicating that Pennsylvania Democrats may seek to replace him in the 2028 election cycle.