Fetterman Throws Democrats Under Bus Over Ongoing Govt. Shutdown
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is once again defying his party’s far-left leadership — this time during a Fox News appearance where he told Sean Hannity that he’s willing to “pay a price” for putting the country before Democratic politics.
“I am always going to vote country over my party, and if I pay a price within my base, that’s something I am willing to do,” Fetterman declared on Hannity Wednesday night, as the government shutdown entered its fourth week.
The Pennsylvania senator has become an unexpected outlier within his party, sharply criticizing Democrats’ handling of the ongoing shutdown and emphasizing that his priority is ensuring funding for the U.S. military and Capitol Police — not playing political games.
He reminded Hannity that he is one of only two Democrats who voted to keep the government open.
“I’m not afraid to tell my truth and if I’m going to pay a penalty, I’m not afraid of that,” he said. “It’s wrong to shut our government down.”
Earlier that day, Fetterman called the 22-day shutdown a “failure” in a post on X, urging leaders to focus on restoring funding for essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“I refuse to vote to suspend SNAP for millions of Pennsylvanians in my state and across the entire nation,” he insisted.
Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to help feed their families. With the shutdown threatening to suspend benefits, Fetterman told Hannity:
“That’s going to be suspended because our government is shut down. I can’t ever vote for that kind of mass food insecurity.”
But perhaps the biggest shock came when Fetterman took aim at the extreme rhetoric within his own party — particularly those labeling President Donald J. Trump a “fascist.”
“Extreme kinds of rhetoric make it easier for those extreme kinds of actions,” he warned.
“I refuse to be a part of it and comparing people to Hitler and those things. If that’s what’s required to win, then I refuse to.”
Fetterman cautioned that such language is tearing the nation apart, adding bluntly: “We’ve lost the plot.”
He continued: “I refuse to call my fellow citizens fascists or Nazis or those things. If somebody wants to primary me or the party wants to vote me out, I’m going to go down being honest and telling you that this is wrong.”
Calling for a return to decency and cooperation, Fetterman concluded, “It’s just basic humanity and we’re forgetting that we all need each other.”
His stance has already rattled progressive Democrats. Axios reports that Pennsylvania figures like Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Chris Deluzio, and former Rep. Conor Lamb are being floated as potential primary challengers to Fetterman in 2028. Asked about the rumors, Fetterman simply quipped: “Enjoy your clickbait! Please do not contact.”
Despite the speculation, Fetterman appears unfazed. Those close to him told Axios he still harbors presidential ambitions and sees himself as a reformer within a fractured Democratic Party.
In a surprising moment on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Fetterman even praised President Trump’s peace deal between Israel and Hamas, saying he felt “absolute elation” over the diplomatic breakthrough — a remark few Democrats dared to make.
His growing independence has positioned Fetterman as a rare Democrat willing to break ranks to defend truth over tribalism — and to credit President Trump when it’s deserved.