Staff Departures Rock Fetterman’s Team Amid Frustration Over Focus on Israel

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is facing a wave of staff departures. Recently, two more team members left, adding to a growing trend of discontent within his office.

These resignations highlight a significant shift in Fetterman’s approach. Many staffers are frustrated by what they see as a departure from progressive ideals. His increasing willingness to collaborate with Republicans, including his support for President Donald Trump and strong pro-Israel positions, has left longtime supporters feeling betrayed.

One former campaign staffer, who wished to remain anonymous, remarked, “Fetterman came in talking about labor rights, but now he’s gone strangely quiet on the issue.” They expressed concern that the office is overly focused on Israel-related matters, sidelining other critical topics.

Since the pro-Israel stance intensified after the October 7 attacks in 2023, Fetterman’s office has seen six staff members leave. Three key communications team members exited last spring after he stated he was not a progressive, leading to tensions with colleagues who felt he was abandoning core values.

In a recent development, Charlie Hills, the communications director, and legislative director Tré Easton are among the latest to resign. Easton emphasized their accomplishments, saying, “Together we created a legislative body of work that I think is a blueprint for how Democrats should be governing when they have power.” However, it’s unclear if their departures will catalyze any change in Fetterman’s course.

Fetterman campaigned as a champion for working-class Americans, immigrants, LGBTQ rights, and criminal justice reform. His promises to support these causes are now overshadowed by his current alliances and policies. Once seen as a progressive hope for Pennsylvania, his recent actions have raised eyebrows among supporters and left many feeling disillusioned.

His shift toward bipartisan efforts has included supporting Republican initiatives, such as a strict new immigration law. Fetterman has positioned himself as a rare ally to Trump, even standing alone as the sole Democrat to back certain nominations and bills. Many are left wondering if he can return to his original mission or if his new direction will alienate the very constituents who once supported him.