"Too long" funeral and a commissioned article: Storm around Senator John Fetterman

Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is facing growing criticism following an extensive investigation by The Wall Street Journal, which examined his performance behind the scenes and claimed he does little to engage in key parts of his work in the Senate. The publication highlighted correspondence in which he declined to attend the funeral of three police officers killed in the line of duty in York County, Pennsylvania, as well as a report that he agreed to write an article supporting Israel based on talking points provided by Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. His staff decided not to share these points with him for fear the article might raise questions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

In the correspondence preceding the funeral, one of Fetterman's aides noted that due to space limitations, no staff could accompany him, that attendees were required to be seated by 11:00, and that the funeral would last at least three hours. "Three hours??" Fetterman replied. The aide explained it was a "very formal ceremony, the equivalent of three separate funerals." Fetterman responded: "Maybe this is off the table." Ultimately, he did not attend.

The ceremony was held last September in memory of Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, 39, and detectives Mark Baker, 53, and Isaiah Amenhauser, 43. The three were killed eight days earlier in an ambush while attempting to arrest a suspect. Two other officers were wounded in the incident.

A screenshot of the funeral correspondence sparked harsh reactions on social media. Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle called Fetterman a "disgrace," claiming Pennsylvania deserves a senator who is not "too lazy to do the job." His colleague Chris Deluzio described the conduct as "pathetic," adding that the senator lacks a "sense of duty." Both are mentioned as potential primary challengers to Fetterman in two years.

Canceling meetings and avoiding public events

Another central anecdote in the investigation concerned Fetterman's ties to Israel. Since October 7, the senator has stood out as one of the most staunch supporters of Israel within the Democratic Party. Fetterman has denied considering a party switch but recently clarified: "If our party becomes the anti-Israel party - then I will leave."

According to the investigation, in late summer 2025, Fetterman sought to promote a resolution requiring every senator to publicly state whether they view the war in Gaza as "genocide." His senior staff tried to dissuade him, but he insisted. In September, Fetterman met with Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who suggested he write an article explaining his continued support for Israel. Fetterman agreed to write the piece based on points provided by the ambassador.

Days later, embassy staff sent the drafted points, but Fetterman's staff decided not to inform him or pass them along, fearing that publishing an article based on suggestions from a foreign embassy could violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The article was never published. The Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment.

The investigation, based on interviews with over a dozen former lawmakers and staff, as well as internal documents, presented additional claims regarding Fetterman's office. It reported that he frequently cancels meetings with constituents and has barely attended public events in Pennsylvania for nearly a year. Fetterman and his office did not respond to the Journal's inquiries. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, despite the criticism, defined Fetterman as an "important member" of the caucus.