Insiders who spoke to The Philadelphia Inquirer about their time working for Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) shared that life with the estranged Democrat has become "soul-crushing."
Fetterman has emerged as a wildcard for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms, with President Donald Trump saying publicly that he wants to see Fetterman switch parties after the midterms. If Fetterman does become a Republican, it could hand the Democrats a significant setback in their ability to investigate the president and his administration.
The Inquirer's report also highlighted just how distant Fetterman has become from the Democrats.
"An analysis of Fetterman’s record and public appearances by The Inquirer shows he has accomplished little legislatively while also doing less — in bills introduced, public appearances made, and committee hearings attended — as time has gone on," the report reads in part. "He has attended just 16% of his own committee meetings in the last two years and had only 31 public appearances or publicized meetings in his home state in nearly four years, The Inquirer found. He has also voted increasingly with Republicans ahead of a 2026 election that could make him a key swing vote if Democrats regain a narrow Senate majority."
Several of Fetterman's aides also spoke to the outlet about what it was like working for the senator.
“It was like arguing with a toddler every day,” one former staffer said, adding that it felt like “arguing with him nonstop to pretty much get out of bed in the morning and tie his shoes.”
The report cites instances in which Fetterman's aides had to force him to meet with constituents and would often leave Washington, D.C., in the middle of sessions. It cited one trip in particular in which Fetterman's driver took him from D.C. to York, Pennsylvania, after a vote so the senator could have dinner with his family and stay at a nearby hotel, all of which the outlet said Fetterman's campaign paid for.
“Every day was a battle that by the end of the day you were physically and emotionally battered just by getting John to do any part of his job,” a former staffer told the outlet, describing the work as “soul-crushing.”
Another report about Fetterman's behavior is expected to be published on Monday, according to The Inquirer.
