‘Smears’: Fetterman denies allegations from staffers in new report

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, alleged that "disgruntled" former staffers are behind a Wall Street Journal report published last week that included a wide range of accusations, including previous employees questioning whether he cares about his work in the Senate.

Fetterman, who's currently serving his first term after being elected in 2022, sharply criticized ex-aides in a statement to CNN. The lawmaker, who didn't respond to requests for comment from the WSJ, called the story the "third hit piece from disgruntled staffers." Fetterman didn't specifically cite the previous reporting, but he appeared to reference a New York Magazine article published last year titled "The Hidden Struggle of John Fetterman."

"Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous," Fetterman told CNN. He added that "no matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania."

USA TODAY reached out to Fetterman's office for comment.

The Journal's Sept. 3 reporting was based on interviews with more than a dozen former staffers and lawmakers as well as screenshots of text communications. One of the most notable accusations was that the senator flouted meetings with constituents. He also did not attend a gathering with paralyzed veterans in June on the…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/