Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania canceled a meeting with three disabled veterans in June, citing illness, before appearing on Fox News to discuss Israel less than an hour later, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday.
Fetterman’s office initially claimed he was ill when the veterans arrived, but he later participated in a Fox News interview on Israel and Iran without appearing unwell, the Journal reported. The veterans had traveled to Washington, D.C., specifically to meet with Fetterman.
The Journal’s report, based on interviews with former staffers and internal communications, also alleges that Fetterman has repeatedly declined to meet with constituents and fellow lawmakers. In one instance, he reportedly told an aide he was not concerned about Medicaid cuts after representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia requested a meeting to discuss the issue.
Fetterman’s office did not respond to requests for comment from multiple outlets, including the Daily Caller News Foundation, Newsweek, and the Washington Examiner.
Fetterman’s Alleged Avoidance of Constituent Meetings
The Journal’s report details several instances where Fetterman canceled or declined meetings with constituents and local officials. In April 2025, state legislator Anthony Hardy Williams said he brought constituents from a flood-prone Philadelphia neighborhood to meet with their representatives in Washington, but Fetterman was the only one who declined the meeting.
Internal text messages cited by the Journal show Fetterman questioning the necessity of meeting with representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. When an aide explained they were concerned about vaccines and Medicaid cuts, Fetterman responded, “Well, I’m not”, and added that he was “convinced they just want free trips to D.C.”
Democratic Colleagues Criticize Fetterman’s Conduct
Fetterman’s conduct has drawn criticism from members of his own party. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) wrote on X that Fetterman is “a disgrace” and that Pennsylvania “deserves better than a lazy trust fund baby who is too lazy to do the job.” Boyle has previously signaled interest in running for Fetterman’s Senate seat in 2028.
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) also criticized Fetterman, stating that the senator’s reported behavior shows “no sense of duty” and that Pennsylvania voters would address the issue in 2028. Deluzio added that Fetterman’s willingness to “carry water for a foreign government” further undermined his credibility.
Fetterman’s Stance on Israel and Shifting Alliances
The Journal’s report comes as Fetterman has faced increasing scrutiny over his shifting positions on key issues. He has drawn criticism from some Democrats for his pro-Israel stance, including his support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and his willingness to engage with Israeli officials. In September 2025, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter met with Fetterman and suggested he write an op-ed explaining his support for Israel. Fetterman agreed but later did not follow through, according to the Journal.
Fetterman has also been noted for his closer alignment with Republicans on certain issues, including some priorities shared with the Trump administration. Despite speculation about leaving the Democratic Party, Fetterman has denied any such intentions.
Background: Fetterman’s Senate Tenure
Elected in 2022, Fetterman has faced ongoing scrutiny over his health and ability to perform his duties following a stroke he suffered in May 2022. His stroke left him with lingering speech difficulties, which he has addressed through accommodations such as using closed captioning during public appearances. Critics have questioned whether his health has impacted his Senate work, while supporters argue he remains capable of serving effectively.