Fetterman Breaks with Democrats, Calls for End to Government Shutdown

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has publicly criticized members of his own party over the ongoing government shutdown, saying he is willing to face political consequences if it means helping reopen the government. During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday, Fetterman declared that he would always prioritize the country’s needs over partisan loyalty.

“I will always choose my country over my party,” Fetterman said. “If that means I have to pay a political price within my own base, I’m willing to accept that.”

The Pennsylvania Democrat’s comments come as the federal government enters its fourth week of closure, with mounting concerns over stalled funding for critical agencies and social programs. Fetterman emphasized that his priority is ensuring continued financial support for essential workers such as members of the U.S. military and Capitol Police, rather than engaging in political gridlock.

He noted that he is among only two Democrats who have voted in favor of measures to keep the government operating. “I’m not afraid to speak the truth,” he added. “If there’s a penalty for that, so be it. It’s simply wrong to let our government shut down.”

Earlier this week, Fetterman took to social media to label the 22-day shutdown a “failure,” calling for both parties to end the stalemate and restore government funding. He has been particularly vocal about the potential suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans.

“I will never support suspending SNAP benefits for millions of people in Pennsylvania and across the country,” Fetterman said. “More than 40 million Americans depend on this program for basic nutrition, and if the shutdown continues, that lifeline could be cut off. I can’t support something that leads to mass food insecurity.”

Fetterman also expressed frustration with what he described as “extreme rhetoric” from political leaders, including those within his own party. He criticized Democrats who have used inflammatory language to describe former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

“Calling people fascists or comparing them to Hitler doesn’t help us heal,” Fetterman said. “Extreme rhetoric only fuels more extreme actions. I refuse to take part in that. If winning requires that kind of behavior, then I don’t want to win that way.”

He went on to argue that the current political climate has lost its sense of purpose and compassion. “We’ve lost the plot,” he said. “I’m not going to call my fellow Americans fascists or Nazis. If that means someone wants to challenge me in a primary, I’ll go down being honest about what’s right and wrong.”

Fetterman urged both Democrats and Republicans to restore civility and cooperation in Washington. “At the end of the day, it’s about basic humanity,” he concluded. “We need to remember that we all rely on each other.”

His remarks have stirred growing speculation about a potential backlash from the left wing of the Democratic Party. According to reports from Axios and the Daily Mail, several high-profile Pennsylvania Democrats — including Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Chris Deluzio, and former Rep. Conor Lamb — are being discussed as possible challengers to Fetterman in the 2028 Senate primary.

When asked about those rumors, Fetterman dismissed the idea with characteristic bluntness. “Enjoy your clickbait!” he told an Axios reporter, adding, “Please do not contact.”

Despite the talk of a potential challenge, sources close to Fetterman say he remains unconcerned. Those familiar with his thinking suggest that he sees himself as a national voice in reshaping the Democratic Party and may even have ambitions beyond the Senate.

In recent weeks, Fetterman has also drawn attention for his comments on foreign policy. During an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, he praised former President Trump’s peace deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it a “remarkable achievement.”

“I felt absolute elation seeing progress toward peace,” Fetterman said, a statement that set him apart from many in his party who have been reluctant to credit Trump’s diplomatic efforts.

Fetterman’s willingness to speak his mind, even when it means breaking with fellow Democrats, has become a defining feature of his political identity. As the government shutdown continues and tensions rise within both parties, the Pennsylvania senator appears determined to stick to his convictions — even if it costs him politically.