Fetterman criticized over Israel ties in Wall Street Journal report
A new report says Senator John Fetterman puts support for Israel ahead of his own state's voters, a damaging look at how donor money shapes Washington.
- Fetterman canceled a meeting with a Pennsylvania state lawmaker who drove in to talk about homelessness and help for poor families.
- He kept a meeting that same day with Bruce Pearl, a pro-Israel advocate and former college basketball coach, who thanked him for his stance.
- His own staff blocked a plan to publish an opinion piece built on talking points from Israel's ambassador, worried it would break the law on acting as a foreign agent.
- Fetterman has taken large sums from pro-Israel political groups, and most of Congress takes money from the same lobby.
- Polls show the vast majority of Americans already believe politicians serve donors rather than voters.
Outlook: Expect more scrutiny of Fetterman's funding and of how much foreign lobbying shapes votes in Congress.