Fetterman Breaks with His Party: ‘I Have to Disagree’

Senator John Fetterman

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has condemned the violence of Los Angeles protests, calling it "anarchy." He urged Democrats to stop framing the unrest as peaceful protest. Fetterman stressed the importance of accountability and public safety alongside the right to free speech.

John Fetterman at a rally

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Fetterman has won conservative support for challenging the Democratic stance on various events. Former critics now see him as a potential party leader.

John Fetterman at Capitol Hill

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Fetterman wrote, “I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that.” He added, "This is anarchy and true chaos. My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement."

John Fetterman speaks at a rally

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

The violence and attacks on police have fueled calls for Democratic leaders to speak out. Fetterman, known for addressing controversial issues, has drawn criticism for breaking from Democratic leadership.

John Fetterman at the United States Capitol

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Fetterman also criticized anti-Israel campus protests and praised President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. He highlighted strong Trump support in Pennsylvania.

John Fetterman heading to Senate floor

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Fetterman said, "What happened after Israel, and the border, and some of the times I have to disagree with my party, that’s what brought us to that place where kind of a cancelling. It was a little bit of a different thing."

John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Senator John Fetterman, John Fetterman at a rally, John Fetterman at Capitol Hill, John Fetterman speaks at a rally, John Fetterman at the United States Capitol, John Fetterman heading to Senate floor, John Fetterman at the Presidential Inauguration

Fetterman added, "Now we’ve all moved on from that… I’ve made 90% of the votes, none of them were determinative, people in the Senate have missed more votes than I did, but they weren’t breaking the kind of rules that I did, so they weaponized that in a very cynical way."

Emily Prescott covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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