Sen. John Fetterman isn’t backing down—especially not to boos from his own party. The Pennsylvania Democrat dismissed criticism from liberal activists during Saturday’s “No Kings” protest in Philadelphia, saying their discontent was expected but misguided.
One protester accused Fetterman of turning his back on Democrats and skipping the rally meant to oppose former President Donald Trump. Others shouted that Fetterman wanted Democrats to “roll over and play dead.” But the senator made it clear on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom that he’s done trying to please everyone.
“I’m not sure why Democrats would boo a fellow Democrat, but that’s their prerogative now,” Fetterman said. He doubled down on his support for Israel, border security, and responsible government funding. “There was no goose stepping,” he added, pushing back on those comparing Trump’s military parade to authoritarian displays.
Fetterman posted on X that honoring the U.S. Army with a parade was “appropriate” and a way to recognize the troops’ service and sacrifice. He emphasized that the parade wasn’t political—it was patriotic. “That’s our soldiers,” he said. “This is not an occupying force.”
The senator’s increasingly independent stance has put him at odds with many in his party. He’s taken heat for condemning anti-ICE riots, supporting Israel without apology, and backing Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi’s confirmation. That vote made him the only Democrat to break ranks.
In March, Fetterman also voted for a GOP-led bill to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. That further isolated him from party leadership. Still, he remains firm in his choices, saying he’s doing what’s right—even if it’s unpopular.
More recently, he co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act, which cracks down on illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. And earlier this month, he said the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border has been “unacceptable.” He called the record-high border encounters a national security threat.
Fetterman’s polling numbers have taken a hit. An internal survey showed 49% of voters in Pittsburgh view him unfavorably. But some Republicans have surprisingly stepped up to defend him.
Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania called the attacks on Fetterman’s health “disgraceful smears.” In a May 9 post on X, he blasted Democrats for turning on one of their own. For now, Fetterman seems more interested in speaking his mind than toeing the party line.