Sen. John Fetterman apologized on Sunday for a dismissive text exchange about Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia officials who wanted to discuss Medicaid cuts. In a statement supplied to CNN and reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Pennsylvania Democrat called the exchange a “dumb joke” and said he sincerely apologized.
The Wall Street Journal reported that an aide told Fetterman in September 2025 that hospital officials wanted a meeting because they were worried about Medicaid cuts. According to the newspaper’s account of internal messages, Fetterman replied that he was not worried and suggested the officials wanted free trips to Washington.
Fetterman disputed the broader Journal report, calling it a hit piece based on disgruntled staffers and saying the messages were stripped of context. He said his office has advocated for the hospital, supported its requests and met with its officials both virtually and in person.
The Journal’s report also described other meetings and events that Fetterman allegedly avoided or questioned. Fetterman gave CNN explanations for some of those episodes, including a canceled meeting with paralyzed veterans and his absence from a funeral for three police officers. The allegations and his responses remain distinct parts of the record.
