Report: Fetterman called Wall Street Journal story ‘a hit piece,’ and apologized for a text message dismissing CHOP leaders
In his statement to CNN, John Fetterman called a recent report from The Wall Street Journal a “hit piece from disgruntled staffers."
A curt text message privately rejecting concerns from leaders at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about Medicaid cuts was a “dumb joke,” U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) told CNN this weekend.
In his statement to CNN, Fetterman called a recent report from the Wall Street Journal — which reignited claims that he’s not fully performing the role of a U.S. senator — a “hit piece from disgruntled staffers.”
» READ MORE: John Fetterman reportedly dismissed CHOP leaders, rejected other meetings as he avoids Senate duties
“Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous,” Fetterman said. He later added: “No matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.”
The Wall Street Journal report included text messages between Fetterman and his staff and detailed several meetings or events that Fetterman tried to get out of attending, including the meeting with CHOP and a funeral for three York County police officers who were killed while on duty.
Fetterman said the leaked text messages were “stripped of any context and circumstances.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, while discussing the meeting with CHOP officials last September, Fetterman asked in a text, “Why do I have to keep having to meet with chop.”
An aide responded, “Because they’re worried about Medicaid cuts.” Fetterman wrote back, “Well, I’m not.” He then wrote, “I’m convinced they just want free trips to DC.”
Fetterman told CNN that comment was a “dumb joke,” and “for that, I sincerely apologize.”
“My office and I always have, and always will, advocate for CHOP, support their requests and any other needs that we can assist with,” Fetterman told CNN.
The newspaper’s report also included text messages where Fetterman questioned the length of the funeral for the three York County police officers, writing “3 hours??,” and said attending “may be a nonstarter.” Fetterman, who grew up in York County, did not attend the funeral, according to the report.
Fetterman told CNN that he “privately ordered flowers to be delivered for their families and expressed my condolences publicly” on the day of the fatal shooting. He also said he privately attended a fundraiser for the officers’ families in June, saying, “I met with their chief and the family members directly to express my personal condolences.”
The first-term senator’s tenure has been plagued with criticism. Former staffers have said he often cancels meetings at the last minute, and he has has increasingly isolated himself from Democrats in Washington, according to the Wall Street Journal. He regularly appears on conservative media and attacks his own party, and he does not make regular public appearances in the Keystone State.
» READ MORE: John Fetterman says he’s not switching parties. Here’s why everyone’s talking about it anyway.
And pressure on the senator appears to be mounting. Following with the Wall Street Journal article, an X profile claiming to be former staffers said it would post accounts of working for the senator.
“If you were troubled by yesterday’s Wall Street Journal story... trust us, that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” the account posted. “It’s even worse than you thought.”
Staff writer Sam Janesch contributed to this report.
