All posts tagged "john fetterman"

Outrage after John Fetterman fesses up to Murdoch-backed trip: 'He's a goner'

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) admitted that he took a trip with Fox News executives, which is spurring more outrage against him.

Fetterman has already attracted the ire of his own party after he appeared by video at President Donald Trump's midterm convention, after a Wall Street Journal article revealed he took donations from conservatives while blowing off his constituents and amid a recent history of favoring GOP positions.

According to a Tuesday article by the conservative-leaning Washington Examiner, Fetterman traveled to Montana for an "exclusive retreat" hosted by the Murdoch family in July and hung out with Fox News executives, Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL).

"We had a great time," Sheehy said about chatting with Fetterman at the retreat.

Fetterman confirmed the reporting on Tuesday when asked about it by a Washington Examiner reporter. "I was invited to go there," he said, defending the trip by saying that he's interested in "having conversations in a straight way."

The Examiner noted that Fetterman has become a fixture as a Fox News guest during the past year and feuded with MS NOW earlier this year after it apparently refused to book him as a guest.

"It's been clear for quite some time that John Fetterman has a Fox News deal waiting for him in 2029," suggested political journalist Nick Field.

"Yeah, he's a goner," predicted progressive political analyst Mike Nellis.

Others were concerned for Fetterman's constituents and what the travel means for them.

"John Fetterman continues to be a disgrace who betrayed everyone who voted for him," blasted Grant Stern, the executive editor of Occupy Democrats.

"John Fetterman has held zero town halls in his three years in office," pointed out political analyst Drew Savicki.

Amid speculation that he's switching parties, Fetterman told the Examiner, "I know Democrats are frustrated with me, but I will remain one, and that's where I'm at."

'Juicy' nightmare arises at GOP convention after John Fetterman cameo: analyst

A political analyst warned that Democrats face a greater likelihood of a "juicy" scenario after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) appeared at the GOP convention.

Fetterman appeared in a video played at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday and praised a bipartisan effort to boost the steel industry while distancing himself from the Democratic left wing. Bob Cusack, the executive editor for the Washington Examiner, said Democrats should consider it a sign that Fetterman is more likely to become a Republican and take away a possible advantage for them after the midterm.

"The possibility of it is so juicy; the Democrats could get to the promised land, and Fetterman flips," Cusack warned. Fetterman switching parties would be "a tough line" for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cusack added.

"He said recently that he likes John Fetterman," Cusack said about Schumer. "But he is up for reelection, so he cannot be too nice, and this is a real dilemma for him."

Speculation about Fetterman changing parties has swirled as he's criticized his own party, partly for becoming more anti-Israel. A recent bombshell article in the Wall Street Journal revealed that he's also been taking money from conservative donors.

"We could have a scenario where Democrats end up flipping the four seats necessary, and we end up in November where it is 51-49," Kirk Bado, the editor of The Hotline, said, explaining a possible outcome of the midterms in the Senate. "Then if Fetterman leaves, [Vice President] JD Vance becomes the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. It could be a real whiplash moment."

"There is no way that John Fetterman could run in a Democratic primary in 2028 and win, especially after that," Cusack added, referring to the video that aired at the GOP convention. "Even before that, but now, even less chance."

John Fetterman blew off paralyzed vets and children's hospital amid rightward drift: WSJ

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) brushed off paralyzed veterans and a children's hospital while cash from a prominent conservative donor came in amid his rightward drift.

According to a Thursday report by the Wall Street Journal, Fetterman canceled on three paralyzed military veterans who traveled from rural Pennsylvania in June to discuss legislation on their care. He told staff he might have eaten something bad, The Journal reported.

Less than an hour after aides met the veterans in his place, Fetterman reportedly walked in looking fine and headed to Fox News to talk about Israel.

The Journal's reporting drew from more than a dozen former staffers and lawmakers, plus internal text messages. "Behind closed doors, the first-term senator shows little interest in doing the job beyond cultivating relationships with conservative media figures and advocating for Israel," The Journal wrote.

When an aide told him last September that officials from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia wanted to meet over Medicaid cuts, Fetterman texted back, "Well I'm not," according to messages reviewed by The Journal, which added that he was "convinced they just want free trips to DC."

The Journal described how Fetterman was once the mayor of the town of Braddock and a disciple of Bernie Sanders. He's increasingly aligned himself with Republicans, The Journal noted. He now polls better with GOP voters than Pennsylvania's Republican senator, Dave McCormick, per New York Times polling cited by The Journal. The drift has fueled speculation that he could switch parties, The Journal noted.

In July, filings showed that he took money from a prominent conservative donor, according to The Journal. When he was asked in March about a call Senate Democratic leadership was arranging, Fetterman texted, "I truly don't care," The Journal reported.

Fetterman didn't respond to The Journal's interview requests and walked away from a reporter at an Erie event last month. At the event, he defended his record by saying, "We have to work together."

Jon Stewart stumps Fetterman over 'weird line' behind his MAGA-friendly turn

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was stumped cold when comedian Jon Stewart pressed him on where he draws the line for political support.

Fetterman appeared on Stewart's podcast, "The Weekly Show," for an interview that hasn't been released yet, but in a clip previewing the episode, Stewart repeatedly asked Fetterman to explain why he has increasingly embraced MAGA-friendly positions while feuding with his own party over issues like opposition to Israel.

"For you, you could agree with them 90 percent of the time, but Israel is the red line," Stewart said, seeking clarification from Fetterman on where he draws the line for his support.

"Absolutely," Fetterman said. "Israel, for me, like, I can't ever turn my back on Israel."

The interview focused on Israel as Stewart asked Fetterman about his opposition to Democratic Socialists who have won congressional seats and others running for office while criticizing Israel. Fetterman has said he would leave the Democratic Party if it "officially" became "anti-Israel," according to reports.

However, Stewart seemed baffled by why Fetterman draws that line.

"I mean no disrespect on this," Stewart told Fetterman. "But that is not our country," Stewart said, referring to Israel. Fetterman reacted to the statement by throwing his head to the side, seeming to be frustrated.

"You're saying that these candidates may have great ideas for our economy; they may want to do the exact same thing you want to do in terms of getting money out of politics; they may want to increase the social safety net; they may want to change the balance of power from capital back to labor," Stewart continued. "But if they don't agree with you on Israel, you don't want them in your party."

"I don't know who you're referencing specifically," Fetterman said.

Stewart shot back, "I'm referencing what you just said."

Fetterman shook his head and said, "Name one."

Stewart threw out names like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Abdul El-Sayed, and Bernie Sanders. Fetterman responded by saying that DSA members should "run under your own banner" and "Why not have a DSA party?" Stewart explained, "We have a two-party system," and said it didn't make sense to throw them out because they don't support Israel but agree with Fetterman on most other issues.

"You're literally saying we can all have discussions except when it comes to Israel, which is not America," Stewart said. "It seems like a weird line to draw."

Fetterman stammered and said, "I don't think that's weird," because historically the Jewish community suffers "when people or a government or people turn their back" on them.

"The Jewish community and Israel are not the same thing, brother man!" Stewart responded.

Jon is joined by U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) for discussion on the Democratic Party, Israel, and the issues that continue to shape his politics. New podcast out tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/QAmZazHzOQ
— The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart (@weeklyshowpod) August 4, 2026

Resigned Fetterman takes long pause when hit with tough question on CNN

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) appeared annoyed Friday when CNN anchor Kasie Hunt asked him if he was still planning to run for re-election.

The question prompted a long pause from Fetterman, who got defensive with Hunt during the live broadcast.

"I've already filed, I'm fundraising for it," Fetterman said.

"If you look at my campaign, I've already, you know, essentially announced that now, but it's like, why do people keep asking? Why aren't you — get other senators on here and ask them too," he said.

Hunt responded, alluding to how the Democratic senator has at times sided with Republicans and been questioned over his party loyalty.

"You're just in a very unique and interesting position," Hunt said, pointing to his recent establishment of Common Ground PA, a rare bipartisan fundraising effort.

"You just opened a PAC with Dave McCormick (R-PA), the Republican fellow senator from Pennsylvania," Hunt pointed out. "But of course, a Republican. It's very unusual in this political climate. What are you planning on using that joint PAC for?"

Fetterman defended the move and pushed back at Hunt's question, citing the lawmakers' shared interest in the agriculture industry.

"Why is it bizarre when there are plenty of donors that have enough shared interest?" Fetterman asked. "There's a lot of things that Dave McCormick and I are going to work together, you know, and then so I'm not sure why that's really an issue."

With midterms looming, Fetterman vowed he will "never" switch parties.

"It's not some sinister thing," Fetterman added. "I'm not changing my party. If I was going to change this party, I would have done that by now."

Fetterman sparks firestorm over Fox News interview claims: 'Look in the mirror'

The internet was livid Monday after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) slammed Democrats for boosting Maine Senate candidate and Democrat Graham Platner — taking swipes at his own party and prominent leaders.

Fetterman appeared on Fox News in an interview with anchor Laura Ingraham, as calls were mounting for the candidate to step down from the competitive Senate race after he was accused of sexual assault.

"I would really call Bernie Sanders to apologize for pushing this kind of predator more than anyone he helped him elect," Fetterman said. "Maybe he should stop pushing these communists."

Social media users called Fetterman out for his comments.

"Says the guy also pushed on us by Bernie," Rachel Murphy Azzara, founder and executive director of Democrats Work for America, wrote on X.

"This guy is more of a FOX maga anchor than a congressman," liberal political commentator Rodger Williams wrote on X.

"Has Laura Ingraham or Fetterman for that matter ever pushed for Trump to resign?" Political writer Zaid Jilani wrote on X.

"Democrat who trashes Democrats and appears on Fox every chance he gets wants everyone else to look in the mirror," political commentator Hemant Mehta wrote on X.

"Have long disliked Platner, but Fetterman owes his Senate seat in large part to Bernie. And millions of Democrats are jusifiability [SIC] angry at Sanders pushing fake progressive Fetterman. 'While serving as Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor, he was a vocal progressive Democrat who aligned with the Bernie Sanders wing of the party," frequent progressive commentator Janice Hough wrote on X.

Says the guy also pushed on us by Bernie
— Rachel Murphy Azzara (@RachelAzzara) July 6, 2026

Blindsided CNN anchor 'glad' her kids weren't watching as Fetterman unleashes lewd remarks

A CNN anchor was shocked by a senator's description of the lewd antics of an embattled candidate.

"Glad my children aren't old enough to watch this show," CNN host Kasie Hunt said as Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) described his understanding of the scandal surrounding Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner.

Platner is in hot water ahead of the Maine primaries as bombshell reporting by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times revealed allegations of him sending sexually explicit texts while married and acting aggressively in previous relationships.

Fetterman didn't censor himself as he accused Platner of sending "d— pics," even though Hunt was quick to clarify that recent reports about Platner's sexting scandal only mention sexually explicit texts, not nude images.

Hunt repeated the words "d— pics" when making it clear that Fetterman assumed Platner sent those kinds of messages. But the follow-up question triggered a cascade of even more raunchy remarks from Fetterman.

"A guy that he talked about and described, d—, he's already done that in his writings," Fetterman said, trying to explain his assumption. "When he would used to sit in the port-a-potties, you know, he would say that he would want to m— to them."

Trump eyes Hail Mary to lock up GOP control in Senate: report

President Donald Trump has apparently directed Republicans to persuade a Democrat to leave his party and join the GOP, The New Republic reported on Wednesday.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) — who has often sided with Republican lawmakers and been questioned by critics over his party loyalty — has reportedly become a target for the president. Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against the latest war powers resolution on Wednesday and was the deciding vote in the seventh attempt to end Trump's military operation in Iran.

Trump has viewed Fetterman as someone who can potentially help secure Republican control in Congress and wants to convince the Democrat "to switch parties to help retain the GOP’s fragile majority in the Senate."

Fetterman has denied any plans to leave the Democratic Party and has said he would be a "s----- Republican." The president has called the centrist lawmaker his "favorite Democrat."

John Fetterman's praise of Trump's 'quiet piggy' insult sparks outrage

The internet was stunned on Monday after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) told comedian Bill Maher that he commended President Donald Trump's insult directed at a female reporter.

Fetterman was a guest on Maher's "Club Random Podcast" when the comedian and host talked about how "refreshing" Trump's "honesty" has been when the lawmaker replied and laughed, saying: "The ultimate: quiet piggy. Hahaha, yeah!"

The internet sounded off on the interaction between the two public figures.

"Two white men laughing at the president of the United States telling a woman reporter to 'quiet piggy' and calling it refreshing honesty really tells you how little regard both of them have for women. And professional decorum and basic decency," Mj Cusick, a marketing professional and ghost writer who self-describes as a "lifelong D," wrote on X.

"Two a------- walk into a bar..." Democratic strategist Jon Cooper, former Long Island Campaign Chair for Barack Obama and majority leader of the Suffolk County Legislature, wrote on X.

"This dude has fully jumped aboard the grift train. I used to be such a fan but I had to stop supporting him years ago!" Political commentator Jason McDaniel wrote on X.

"Watch Maher & Fetterman have a big laugh about how ;refreshing' Trump’s honesty is when he demeans and attacks female reporters, including the 'quiet piggy' line. (Fitting since Maher has revealed himself to be the John Fetterman of out of touch talk show hosts)," The Tennessee Holler, a progressive news site, wrote in a Bluesky post.

Bill Maher gushes over how “refreshing” Donald Trump’s “honesty” is with reporters and John Fetterman responds: “The ultimate: quiet piggy. Hahaha, yeah!” pic.twitter.com/cBrq3juuxg
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) May 11, 2026

US Senate candidate arrested for threatening to kill Trump: feds

A Pennsylvania man running for U.S. Senate is now facing federal charges for threatening a member of Congress, President Donald Trump, and the family of a U.S. official.

Raymond Eugene Chandler III was running to unseat fellow Democrat Sen. John Fetterman before he was arrested on May 1, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. According to an FBI arrest affidavit, Chandler left threats for more than a year on the voicemail of an unnamed senator. The affidavit said that the threats were directed at the senator as well as the "immediate family of a United States official" and Trump.

The voicemail threats started in April 2025, when Chandler described buying a "seven-inch combat knife and dagger," said he's ready to "personally kill" ICE agents and told the unnamed senator that he'll "build gallows" to hang him, per the affidavit.

In January 2026, Chandler said he would "organize armed resistance" against ICE and "those who deserve death," including Trump. According to a Primetimer article. Chandler launched his campaign via YouTube in February 2026 to replace Fetterman in the 2028 election cycle.

In mid-April this year, one of Chandler's voicemails asked the senator to imagine thousands of people surrounding his house and the house of "1,200 billionaires." Chandler said that on command, they would "slit your throat, and they slit your daughter’s throat," the affidavit read.

Last week, on April 29, just days before his arrest, Chandler allegedly told the unnamed senator that, and said, "I'm calling this evening because what I want you to do is I want you to take a firearm. I want you to put it in your hand. I want you to walk into the Oval Office. I want you to put that firearm to the President's head, and I want you to pull the trigger," the affidavit detailed.

It was the last voicemail before his arrest. In it, Chandler described Trump as "a liar among all liars. He's a great deceiver. He's the antichrist," according to the affidavit.

"I want you to kill the President," Chandler allegedly said. "I want you to assassinate the president. That's what I want you to do. Now, Senator, are you gonna come after me? Are you going to try me because of my voice and what I said?"