Sen. John Fetterman, often dubbed “Trump’s favorite Democrat,” is once again threatening to ditch the party and switch side, this time revealing an ultimatum that could finally make him leave.
Initially elected in 2022 as a progressive candidate, Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has made a notable shift to the right during his time in the Senate, often breaking with the rest of his party and their on certain issues, and backing President Donald Trump, especially on matters involving U.S. support for Israel.
As a result of this shift, concerns have mounted among Senate Democrats that Fetterman might eventually opt to switch his party allegiance to the Republicans, potentially throwing their majorities into chaos, though these concerns are much less pressing in light of the Democrats winning 56 Senate seats in the midterms. While admitting that he often feels alienated by his Democratic colleagues, Fetterman has also insisted that he would make a poor Republican, citing his continued support for LGBTQ rights and marijuana legalization.
Now, however, Fetterman has made one of the most concrete threats yet about switching parties, telling Fox News on Saturday that he was considering abandoning the Democratic Party if they opt for new leadership in the chamber. In the wake of growing voter outrage about standing up to Trump, Sen. Chuck Schumer is facing a rare challenge as incoming Majority Leader from Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who has won acclaim from voters for his desire to take on the administration and its cruelest policies.
Fetterman is among the incumbent senators who have thrown their support behind Schumer, who is, like the Pennsylvania lawmaker, also a staunch supporter of Israel.
“Yeah, absolutely. It would be troubling if my caucus elects someone like Van Hollen that has really made his name being very … hostile to Israel,” Fetterman said during his appearance on Fox News. “Both in the House now and the Senate now, their first instincts are to punish Israel and to withhold these kinds of aid. Why isn’t it your first instinct to say, ‘Let’s hold Iran accountable?’”
He added further: “I’m frustrated by the gas prices. It’s terrible Americans have to suffer, but if you want to blame the Trump administration, I continue to blame the Iranians as well too. They could find a way forward for peace. It’s a political loser, absolutely, but that’s a country over party… I hope we’re going to embrace bipartisanship and look for solutions for the last two years. And if you just turn it into a circus of constant hearings about payback, that’s a lost opportunity.”
Fetterman is widely expected to face major primary challenges when he is up for reelection in 2028, and is also expected to lose his potential reelection bid, given his cratering approval ratings from Democratic voters.