Fetterman, Other Democrats Break Ranks Over Shutdown: “This Sends the Wrong Message”

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is breaking with his party over the ongoing government shutdown, calling out Democratic leadership for what he describes as “the wrong message” to both Americans and the world. The Pennsylvania Democrat urged lawmakers on both sides to stop the partisan standoff and focus instead on reopening the government and addressing key policy issues through negotiation.

Appearing Sunday on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Fetterman made clear his frustration with the gridlock that has paralyzed Washington since October 1.

“Shutting our government down — that’s the wrong message for the world, and it’s the wrong message for Americans,” Fetterman said. “It’s not about who’s to blame. It’s about getting the government open, sitting down, and having real conversations about healthcare and everything else that matters to people.”

A Call for Cooperation

Fetterman’s remarks echoed a position he has maintained throughout the year — that government shutdowns, regardless of which party causes them, are harmful to the public and undermine national stability.

“It was wrong when Republicans did it, and I said that back in March,” Fetterman recalled. “We kept the government open then. I said at the time that if this came up again in September, I’d be the one saying it’s wrong to shut us down — and that’s exactly what I’m doing now.”

He emphasized that ordinary Americans are the ones suffering from the impasse, pointing to workers who face delayed paychecks and military families whose incomes are now at risk.

“The real losers are the poor and working-class Americans caught in the middle of all this,” Fetterman said. “We can have a conversation about extending Obamacare tax credits, and I think some Republicans might even agree with that. But we can’t have that conversation if the government isn’t open.”

Bipartisan Fractures

Since the shutdown began, both parties have engaged in a fierce blame game. Republicans have branded the standoff the “Schumer shutdown,” arguing that Democratic leaders are blocking short-term funding bills to pressure the GOP into accepting new healthcare provisions. Democrats, meanwhile, insist they’re protecting Americans from the expiration of critical Obamacare tax credits set to end this year.

Despite the partisan divisions, a small number of Democrats have broken ranks to support temporary funding measures proposed by Republicans. Fetterman was joined by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Independent Sen. Angus King (I-ME) in voting to advance a stopgap bill aimed at keeping federal agencies open. The measure received majority support but fell five votes short of the 60 needed to move forward in the Senate.

Trump Steps In

As the shutdown entered its fourth week, President Donald Trump announced a directive to ensure that U.S. troops receive their pay on time, despite the funding lapse. On Friday, Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to pay active-duty service members on October 15, even without congressional authorization.

Trump, who has blamed Democratic leaders for the impasse, said he would not allow the shutdown to endanger the livelihoods of military personnel.

“Chuck Schumer recently said, ‘Every day gets better’ during their Radical Left Shutdown. I DISAGREE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “If nothing is done, our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th. That’s why I am using my authority as Commander in Chief to direct our Secretary of War to use all available funds to pay them.”

Trump added that he would not permit Democrats to “hold the Military and the Security of our Nation hostage” over what he characterized as a “dangerous and unnecessary shutdown.”

The administration confirmed it has identified sufficient funding sources to cover military pay temporarily, while legal teams continue to explore long-term solutions if Congress fails to act.

The First Shutdown to Threaten Troop Pay

The October 1 shutdown marks the first time in U.S. history that active-duty troops could miss a paycheck due to congressional inaction. Roughly 1.3 million service members could have been affected, prompting widespread concern among military families and defense officials.

Defense analysts note that while past shutdowns have disrupted government services and furloughed workers, the current situation has heightened national security concerns because of its direct impact on military readiness and morale.

Growing Pressure Within the Democratic Party

Fetterman’s outspoken criticism highlights growing unease within the Democratic caucus as public frustration mounts. Some moderates fear that prolonged inaction could damage the party’s credibility with working-class voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“The government shouldn’t be a pawn in partisan games,” Fetterman said. “It’s time for both sides to stop pointing fingers and start governing again.”

His message underscores a rare moment of defiance in a hyper-partisan environment — and signals a widening rift within the Democratic Party over strategy, priorities, and the costs of political brinkmanship.

As the shutdown drags on, one thing remains clear: lawmakers on both sides are running out of time — and patience — as millions of Americans wait for Washington to turn the lights back on.