Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) made it clear this week that he won’t resort to calling his political opponents “Nazis” or “fascists,” while also shutting down any speculation that he might abandon the Democratic Party.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Fetterman said:
“I’m not going to switch. I’m going to stay an independent voice within the Democratic Party. I’m not going to be afraid of people.”
The Pennsylvania senator stressed that Democrats hurt themselves when they attack their own, and he won’t join in using divisive language. “If you’re looking for a Democrat who’s going to throw around terms like Nazis or fascists, that’s not me. I believe in speaking the truth, whether it aligns with Republicans or Democrats,” he said.
Fetterman, who has at times split with his party on major issues such as the Israel-Hamas war, reiterated his strong support for Israel. He also opposed efforts to shut down the government, calling them “always wrong,” as Congress faces a looming Sept. 30 deadline to pass a temporary funding bill.
While maintaining his Democratic loyalty, Fetterman even extended measured praise to former President Donald Trump, saying he was “very pleased” with Trump’s backing of Israel. He criticized U.S. allies who have pushed for recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that such a move would embolden Hamas.
“When you have people being held underground, tortured, and starved for nearly two years, recognizing a Palestinian state becomes a reward for Hamas,” Fetterman said. “That’s the narrative they’ll use—that October 7th was the start of their nation—and I can’t ever give them that.”
