Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is facing renewed scrutiny after private texts to his staff were published Thursday by New York Magazine, revealing controversial comments on topics ranging from the Jeffrey Epstein files to healthcare and ICE-related deaths.
Controversial Texts
The texts, obtained by reporter Alex Shultz, show Fetterman dismissing the Epstein files as a “nothing burger,” mocking concerns about healthcare affordability, and comparing the death of a nurse killed by ICE agents to the case of Kyle Rittenhouse.
In January, after seeing a report that the average working family spends nearly $4,000 a year on healthcare, Fetterman wrote to staffers: “How should it cost? Free? I don’t understand what affordability it is.” That same month, he commented on the Epstein files: “Epstein was a nothing burger. Worst pics I’ve seen were from Clinton lol.”
Regarding the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Fetterman focused on what he perceived as Democratic inconsistency. “Kyle Rittenhouse brought a gun to a protest. He was roundly condemned for that. Why are now Democrats defending the nurse it was legal to carry. Both legal weapons. Square that,” he wrote.
Staffer Concerns and Office Dynamics
Current and former staffers told New York Magazine they are “incredulous and exhausted” by Fetterman’s leadership. His chief of staff, Cabelle St. John, announced her departure the same week the story was published.
Some staffers have jokingly referred to Fetterman as the “senator from Tel Aviv,” citing his intense focus on Israel, which reportedly sidelines other legislative priorities.
Despite the controversies, Fetterman has floated himself as a potential vice presidential pick for the 2028 Democratic ticket to senior staff — an idea met with disbelief from staffers. “Are you out of your mind? You don’t do your job, you can’t raise any money, and your entire party hates you,” one staffer reportedly said.
Falling Approval Among Democrats
Fetterman’s approval ratings in Pennsylvania reflect the backlash. A February Quinnipiac poll found that just 22 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats approve of his job performance, while 73 percent of Republicans expressed approval — a stark reversal from when he first took office. CNN reports his net approval among Democrats has dropped 108 points since 2023, from +68 to -40.
