The senior senator for Pennsylvania has faced internal criticism since his support for Israel after Hamas’ sneak attack on the Jewish state in 2023.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is continuing to chart his own course in Washington, emphasizing his independence within the Democratic Party while resisting pressure from both sides of the aisle. In a recent interview, Fetterman made clear he has no intention of switching parties but will not shy away from breaking with Democratic leaders on issues he considers matters of principle.
Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Fetterman dismissed speculation that he might defect to the GOP. “No, no, I’m not going to switch,” he said, insisting instead that he intends to be an “independent voice in the Democratic Party.” Republican leaders, eager to expand their Senate majority, have long viewed Fetterman’s maverick streak as an opening to recruit him, but the Pennsylvania senator has repeatedly ruled out the possibility.
In the interview, Fetterman has also praised former President Donald Trump for his support of Israel, while cautioning Democrats against extreme rhetoric that compares Trump to Hitler or his supporters to Nazis. He argues that such language undermines serious political debate and fuels division. “If you want a Democrat that’s going to call people Nazis or fascists, I’m not going to be that guy,” Fetterman said.
Fetterman previously told CNN “You just don’t ever, ever compare anyone to Hitler,” and urged his own party to “turn the temperature down” when it comes to heated rhetoric and political name-calling.
A central point of friction between Fetterman and his party has been his unwavering support for Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza. While many Democrats have grown increasingly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Fetterman has stood firmly with Israel, condemning U.S. allies that have pushed to recognize a Palestinian state as effectively offering a “reward for Hamas.” He further criticized United Nations delegates who walked out during Netanyahu’s recent speech, calling their actions shameful.
His willingness to cooperate with Republicans is not limited to foreign policy. Fetterman became the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump after his 2024 election victory and has voted to confirm several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. These moves have frustrated Democratic colleagues but have reinforced his reputation as a pragmatist willing to cross party lines.
The senator’s most recent clash with Democrats centers on government funding. With a shutdown looming, Fetterman pledged to back Republicans’ budget bill, arguing that keeping the government open must take priority over partisan fights. “It is always, always wrong to shut our government down,” he said, stressing that he will not use the federal budget as leverage in policy battles.
That stance has angered fellow Democrats, including Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Boyle accused Fetterman of doing “Donald Trump’s bidding” at a moment when Democrats are trying to preserve Medicaid funding and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. He warned that this may be the party’s last chance to protect health care for millions of Americans.
Fetterman’s independent streak has already fueled speculation about a potential primary challenge when he faces re-election in 2028. But for now, the Pennsylvania senator appears unfazed, signaling he will continue to side with pragmatism over party unity—regardless of the political cost.
