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

On Sunday, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman publicly criticized his own party’s approach to the government shutdown, warning that the tactics being used are sending the “wrong message” to Americans and to the world. Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Fetterman made clear he opposes a prolonged shutdown, regardless of who gets the blame.

“Shutting our government down. That’s the wrong message for the world, for Americans as well, too,” he said.
“I don’t care whose blame it is. It’s not about a blame game. It’s about opening this government, having this conversation, and literally let’s address these kinds of healthcare issues as well too.”

In a separate appearance on Fox News, Fetterman doubled down, saying he would “never” support another shutdown. He sharply criticized lawmakers on both sides who refuse to negotiate, urging a return to compromise and dialogue.

“It was wrong if the Republicans did these things, and I led that charge back in March, saying it’s wrong to shut us down, and we kept it open,” Fetterman recalled.
“I said then, back in March, that, when September comes, I’m going to be the one guy that’s saying it is wrong to do this.”

He emphasized that the real casualties of the impasse are ordinary Americans caught in the crossfire.

“Really, the losers are these poor Americans here that are going to get caught in the middle of this thing. I fully support [having] a conversation about extending those [Obamacare] tax credits. I think a lot of Republicans might even agree with that too,” he said.
“That’s a priority for us, and they might agree, but let’s get our government open and have that conversation, so people can get paid, and we can’t have this kind of chaos.”

Defections From the Party Line

Since the shutdown began on October 1, both Republicans and Democrats have blamed the other side. Republicans dubbed it the “Schumer shutdown,” holding Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer responsible. Democrats, meanwhile, have insisted that Republicans and the president must commit to extending Obamacare tax credits, which are scheduled to expire at year’s end, before reopening the government.

Joining Fetterman in bucking the party line, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D–Nevada) and Independent Angus King (Maine) sided with Republicans on a stopgap funding bill aimed at keeping the government functioning. That measure needed 60 votes to advance but fell short, as Republicans remain five votes away from the threshold.

Troops in the Crossfire

The shutdown has cast a spotlight on the serious stakes at hand. Over 1.3 million active-duty military personnel face the possibility of missing their paychecks. On Friday, President Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure troops are paid on October 15, regardless of the legislative stalemate.

“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.”
“I am using my authority … to direct Secretary Hegseth to use available funds to PAY OUR TROOPS.”
“I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military … HOSTAGE, with their dangerous Government Shutdown.”

The administration is reportedly evaluating legal avenues to continue paying the military without Congressional approval—an extraordinary step reflective of the crisis.

A Broader Breakdown of Political Theater

The shutdown impasse has become a fierce theater of political blame rather than governance. Democrats have repeatedly filibustered or blocked proposals to reopen the government, demanding reciprocal concessions from Republicans first. That posture has drawn criticism from their own ranks, as Fetterman and others charge that the party’s tactics are damaging to public trust.

Fetterman argues the shutdown tactic is counterproductive:

• It makes the government look dysfunctional and unwilling to solve problems.

• It punishes ordinary Americans and public servants rather than forcing compromise.

• It sends negative signals to both domestic and international observers about U.S. stability.

As he put it, addressing critical issues like healthcare and budgeting should not wait behind endless standoffs.

What Comes Next

With the Senate still unable to secure enough votes, the shutdown persists. The military pay issue looms large, and the optics of a party divided are becoming harder to defend. If Democrats can’t present a unified front—even on procedural measures—the political costs may multiply, especially as public frustration grows.

Fetterman and his small coalition of defectors could play a pivotal role in reshaping how the Democratic Party approaches governance in crisis moments. Whether they can force a shift toward negotiation and away from brinkmanship remains to be seen.