Ex-Staffer Calls Fetterman a ‘Useful Idiot for Republicans’ Amid Resignations from His Office: Report

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A former staffer for Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) slammed him as a “useful idiot for Republicans” as his office continues to suffer from resignations.

Fetterman has become one of the more polarizing figures within the Democratic Party in recent months. In addition to his staunch support of Israel drawing the ire of his liberal constituents, his comments regarding President Donald Trump have led to speculation that he might switch parties. Fetterman, however, has denied such intentions.

A Wednesday report from The Intercept’s Akela Lacy examined the “exodus” unfolding within Fetterman’s office as a result of those controversies. Three of his top communications staffers left the office in spring 2024; communications director Carrie Adams left in January; fellow communications director Charlie Hills’s last day is Friday; and legislative director Tre Easton is also on the way out.

According to one anonymous former staffer, the departures weren’t a surprise.

“I think the staff is probably frustrated that working in the Fetterman office means you’re just working on Israel all the time,” the staffer told The Intercept.

“This is a guy who came in talking about being a champion for labor and he’s gone pretty quiet on it. This is a guy who, since Trump won, is for lack of better word basically a useful idiot for Republicans. He’s supporting stuff and it gives them cover to say, ‘Look it’s bipartisan, we got Fetterman.'”