Fetterman's Democratic allies are abandoning him as 2028 pressure starts building
WASHINGTON, DC: Sen John Fetterman is facing criticism from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats after a Wall Street Journal report detailed instances in which he allegedly declined constituent meetings, skipped committee proceedings and considered missing a police funeral in his home state.
Rep Brendan Boyle called Fetterman a “lazy trust fund baby,” while Rep Chris Deluzio said Pennsylvania Democrats would “do something about it in 2028.”
Democrats publicly criticize John Fetterman
Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat, responded to the WSJ report on Thursday, September 3, by writing on X that Fetterman was a “disgrace” and accusing him of being unwilling to do his job.
John Fetterman is a disgrace. Our state deserves better than a lazy trust fund baby who is too lazy to do the job. https://t.co/B2maiWqGAE
— Congressman Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) September 4, 2026
Deluzio also criticized the senator, citing what he described as “laziness” and “disrespect.”
He added that Fetterman had “no sense of duty” and said Pennsylvania would address the matter in 2028.
Neither lawmaker called for Fetterman to resign immediately.
There is a lot I could say about this report of John Fetterman’s pathetic behavior as a Senator. 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.
— Chris Deluzio (@ChrisForPA) September 4, 2026
He is not up for… https://t.co/mT95qlSRJt
Report details missed constituent meetings
WSJ reported several instances in which Fetterman declined scheduled meetings with constituents in Washington.
In one case, three paralyzed military veterans were scheduled to meet with the senator.
According to the report, Fetterman canceled the meeting after telling staff he was feeling unwell. The outlet said he later came into the office to prepare for a Fox News appearance.
Fetterman’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
Former chief of staff addresses allegations
Adam Jentleson, who previously served as Fetterman’s chief of staff, responded to the report by pointing to turnover within the senator’s office.
There are many crazy things about this story, but one is that this is an entirely new group of staff who have rotated in and apparently find themselves horrified at Fetterman’s behavior. https://t.co/kLHzOCJAMH
— Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) September 4, 2026
Jentleson wrote on X that the employees quoted in the latest report were part of a different group from staff members who had spoken publicly about Fetterman during earlier controversies.
He said the newer employees appeared “horrified” by the senator’s behavior.
Jentleson previously discussed concerns surrounding Fetterman’s Senate office in a 2025 New York Magazine article.
John Fetterman's political path has shifted
Fetterman won his Senate seat in 2022 after campaigning as a progressive Democrat.
His positions have since shifted on several major issues.
He has become a strong supporter of Israel and met then-President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in January 2025.
Fetterman has also spoken publicly about his health.
He suffered a stroke during his 2022 Senate campaign and later discussed treatment for severe depression.
Gun-violence activist Shannon Watts separately described a difficult meeting with Fetterman, saying he became angry during a discussion about a social-media post.
Pennsylvania voters face 2028 choice
Fetterman was elected to a six-year Senate term that runs through January 2029.
He has not announced plans to leave office before the end of that term.
Deluzio’s comments bring the issue into the next Senate election cycle, when Pennsylvania voters will decide who represents the state for another six-year term.
