Senator John Fetterman Says Democratic Base Is Becoming “Increasingly Anti-American”

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) told Reason’s Nick Gillespie that the Democratic base now supports Cuba, Venezuela and Iran and opposes U.S. military action, which he calls “anti-American.” He says his own views have not changed; the shift, he argues, is the party’s.

The Hill

In 2016, Fetterman said Democrats focused on a higher minimum wage and basic reforms. He observed that many union members and leaders, long Democratic allies since the New Deal, began backing former President Donald Trump, marking a realignment he attributes to discomfort with the party’s post-2020 direction.

Newsmax (website)

Fetterman cites three drivers: foreign-policy support for Cuba, Venezuela and Iran; union halls displaying Trump slogans and a shift of union voters to the Republican ticket; and opposition from some Democrats to rapid AI and data-center development, which he calls “lunacy.”

The Hill

Fetterman wrote that Democrats “cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says,” and said the party’s 2020 excesses helped secure Trump’s 2024 reelection. He stated support for marriage equality, abortion rights, SNAP benefits and organized labor, adding he would be “a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.” He dismissed claims that Israel’s Gaza actions constitute genocide and called colleagues’ resistance to AI development “lunacy.”

John Fetterman says Democratic base is turning ‘increasinly anti-American,’ and he pins it on the lack of support on foreign wars

Fetterman said he feels “lonely” in the Senate caucus because of his pro-Israel stance, support for stronger border security and advocacy for AI. He reported protests outside his Braddock home labeling him a traitor. Several Democratic colleagues have publicly opposed his AI and data-center positions, and his critique of progressive foreign-policy views has drawn rebuke from left-leaning members.

John Fetterman says Democratic base is turning ‘increasinly anti-American,’ and he pins it on the lack of support on foreign wars

Fetterman’s view suggests a possible erosion of Democratic support among labor unions. Continued union migration to the Republican Party could shrink the Democratic electoral base. The debate over foreign-policy and technology may shape candidate platforms ahead of upcoming elections.

Newsmax (website)

All cited sources present only Fetterman’s perspective; no independent polling or statements from other Democratic leaders are provided. Quantitative data on union realignment or public opinion on the foreign-policy issues he cites are absent.

Newsmax (website)

• “Well, I mean, you know, in 2016, it was much more about the minimum wage and some other very basic kinds of thing.” — John Fetterman, Senator

Mediaite

• “And now that's just turned into much more standing with like Cuba, standing with Venezuela, standing with the Iranian regime and turn that into much more becoming more increasingly anti-American for me.” — John Fetterman

Newsmax (website)

• “I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.” — John Fetterman, Op-ed author

John Fetterman says Democratic base is turning ‘increasinly anti-American,’ and he pins it on the lack of support on foreign wars

• “It’s not a genocide, you know, that’s just not the case,” — John Fetterman, Press remarks

The Hill

Fetterman said he will keep voicing independent positions in the Senate and expects further intra-party debate as Democrats prepare for primary contests and future elections.

Newsmax (website)