A former staffer of Senator John Fetterman revealed to Newsweek that the Pennsylvania Democrat often needed encouragement to fulfill key congressional responsibilities. This adds concern to the recent Wall Street Journal report suggesting Fetterman’s disengagement from his Capitol Hill duties.
The ex-staffer, who remained anonymous due to their current job, confirmed the Journal’s portrayal of Fetterman showing minimal interest in his Senate role. These claims align with assertions made by an X account named ‘Former Fetterman Staffers.’ The account claims to be run by former aides and aims to inform Pennsylvanians about Fetterman’s actions.
“Hello, Twitter. We’re a group of former campaign & Senate staffers for John Fetterman who are disgusted with what he’s become,” the group posted on September 4. “If you were troubled by yesterday’s Wall Street Journal story… trust us, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s worse than you thought.”
The account has been confirmed as authentic by two former Fetterman staffers speaking to The New York Times. It’s set to release further information and screenshots on September 14, coinciding with the Senate’s return from recess. Despite being launched recently, the account has attracted over 162,000 followers.
Fetterman labeled the Journal’s piece as a biased attack driven by dissatisfied staff, relying on misleading and anonymous sources. In a statement to CNN, he expressed disappointment over the accusations.
‘Journal’ Report on Senator’s Alleged Apathy
Elected in 2022, Fetterman faces pressure to resign following the Journal’s report of his alleged apathy towards Senate duties. Allegations include skipping vital hearings and focusing more on media and pro-Israel advocacy than serving his constituency. An incident involving the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia highlighted his perceived indifference.
Fetterman acknowledged a controversial remark about CHOP officials as a misguided joke, for which he apologized. He stated that he maintains contact with Pennsylvania health officials both virtually and in person.
Ex-Staffer Claims Fetterman Needed ‘Begging’ to Engage
The ex-staffer characterized Fetterman as lacking empathy and needing constant persuasion to perform basic job tasks, often ignoring issues not linked to Israel. They cited an incident with CHOP, illustrating what they describe as his disregard for significant matters.
“These are children, cancer patients, representing an organization harmed by previous administration cuts. And yet, it’s not prioritized,” they stated.
The former staffer painted a picture of a challenging environment in Fetterman’s office, suggesting a focus on managing interactions to shield employees from adverse experiences.
Data from LegiStorm indicates Fetterman ranks third for staff turnover in the Senate, following Republicans Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis. Another former aide reported that most current staff are seeking other opportunities. Despite a high-ranking turnover rate, Fetterman’s office is relatively aligned with broader Senate averages.
Allegations Mount Amidst Fetterman’s Political Shift
Arriving in Washington as a supporter of Bernie Sanders, Fetterman distanced himself from the Democratic left while drawing closer to Republican positions. His voter appeal shifted correspondingly, with an August poll showing him favorably viewed by 73% of Republicans, but only by 22% of Democrats.
A Quinnipiac poll revealed 19% Democratic approval for Fetterman versus 69% disapproval, alongside increasing Republican support at 77%. Speculation grows about his potential departure from the Democratic party, though he denies any immediate plans.
Fetterman’s unexpected appearance at a GOP event, emphasizing his moderate stance and rejecting extremism, has fueled further discussion about his political trajectory.