PENNSYLVANIA — Sen. John Fetterman dismissed a Wall Street Journal report alleging neglect of Senate duties as a hit piece and issued apologies for past comments regarding the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and veterans. The Pennsylvania Democrat characterized the allegations as politically motivated attacks from former employees while defending his record of service to the state.

Fetterman addressed specific allegations regarding his interactions with medical institutions. Sen. Fetterman asked a staffer via text message why he had to “keep having to meet” with officials from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. According to text messages cited by the report, a staffer told Sen. Fetterman that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia officials were worried about Medicaid cuts, and Fetterman replied, “Well, I’m not.” Fetterman apologized for his comment regarding the hospital, calling it a “dumb joke.” He said his office “always has, and always will, advocate for CHOP, support their requests and any other needs that we can assist with.”

The report also detailed an incident involving veterans. Sen. Fetterman skipped a scheduled meeting with three paralyzed veterans to discuss healthcare legislation after telling staff he was unwell, but later appeared in his office and gave an interview on Fox News. Fetterman explained the situation, saying it was his intention to meet with the group. He said that before the meeting, he was at home throwing up, so he asked his staff to continue with the meeting, which they did. He added that hours later, he felt well enough to continue the day as scheduled.

Allegations regarding Fetterman's conduct at a funeral for slain police officers were also addressed. Sen. Fetterman texted a staffer complaining about the length of a funeral for three police officers killed near York, Pennsylvania, stating it “may be a nonstarter.” Fetterman said he privately ordered flowers for the families of the slain police officers and expressed condolences publicly on the day of the tragedy. He said he privately attended a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser in York in June 2026 for the families of the slain police officers. Fetterman said he met with the police chief and family members directly to express personal condolences.

Anonymous former staffers created a Twitter account to release additional information. A post from the anonymous former staffers' account read, “If you were troubled by yesterday's Wall Street Journal story.. trust us, that's just the tip of the iceberg.” Another post from the anonymous former staffers' account read, “We've come together to share our stories (and screenshots) to show Pennsylvanians exactly who their senator is.” The group threatened to release more information about the senator on September 14, 2026.

Adam Jentleson, Fetterman's former chief of staff, commented on the situation. Jentleson said in response report that there are many crazy things about the 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. New York Magazine published an article in 2025 in which Adam Jentleson raised concerns about the senator's mental health. The New York Magazine article cited a 2024 email from Adam Jentleson detailing Fetterman’s behaviors and noting he was off his treatment plan after being hospitalized in 2023.

Fetterman concluded his response by affirming his commitment to his constituents. He said, “No matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.” Sen. Fetterman is facing declining approval ratings.

Timeline

On September 6, 2026, Sen. Fetterman apologized for his comment regarding the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, calling it a “dumb joke.” On the same day, a post from the anonymous former staffers' account read, “If you were troubled by yesterday's Wall Street Journal story.. Sen. Fetterman said on September 6, 2026, that he privately attended a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser in York in June 2026 for the families of the slain police officers. He also said on September 6, 2026, “Per usual, lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous.” Finally, on September 6, 2026, Sen. Fetterman said, “No matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.”

What's New

This report includes contextual information not present in the originating source. New York Magazine is an American magazine on life, culture, politics, and style, focusing on New York City. Additionally, Children’s Hospital is a hospital which offers its services exclusively to children.

Why It Matters

The allegations against Sen. Fetterman span three years, from 2023 to 2026, and involve multiple former staff members and public incidents. The events include claims of neglected duties, insensitive comments toward medical institutions and veterans, and questions regarding attendance at public events. These issues arise as Sen. Fetterman faces declining approval ratings.

The response involves conflicting narratives from current and former staff. While Fetterman characterizes the reports as smears from disgruntled employees, former chief of staff Adam Jentleson noted that a new group of staff finds themselves horrified at the senator's behavior. Anonymous former staffers have indicated that the published story is only a small part of a larger pattern, threatening to release more information. The situation shows ongoing scrutiny of the senator's conduct and its potential impact on his legislative effectiveness and public standing in Pennsylvania.