Democrat Breaks Silence On Government Shutdown
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) says the ongoing government shutdown has left him “very isolating” — a rare confession as frustration grows over Washington’s political gridlock.
Speaking to Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Fetterman admitted he feels increasingly cut off from fellow Democrats after backing a Republican-led plan to reopen the government. His remarks reveal the widening divide inside the Democratic Party as millions of Americans face the consequences of a Washington standoff.
Fetterman Defies the Party Line
Fetterman was one of just three members of the Senate Democratic caucus to support the GOP funding proposal, joining Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).
“I’m not going to just follow the party line,” Fetterman said. “I’m going to think independently and do what’s right.”
His stance mirrors his strong support for Israel, another issue that has put him at odds with the party’s far-left progressive base. For many older voters, Fetterman’s defiance stands out as a rare sign of independent thinking and political courage in an era of party loyalty and media spin.
Democrats Stall as Shutdown Hurts Working Americans
The Republican proposal, passed by the House on September 19 and described by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as a “clean bill,” would fund the government through November 21 without tacking on partisan spending demands.
However, Senate Democrats blocked it, demanding new subsidies under Obamacare — a move conservatives say prioritizes politics over the American worker.
As the shutdown enters its second week, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are receiving smaller paychecks, while military families face the risk of missed payments. Even the White House Office of Management and Budget has begun laying off what it called a “substantial” number of workers.
Fetterman Warns Shutdown Could Benefit Trump
Despite breaking ranks, Fetterman told reporters earlier that a prolonged shutdown could “ultimately benefit President Trump,” who continues to rally support by criticizing Washington’s dysfunction and runaway spending.
The Pennsylvania senator insists he’ll keep voting to fund the government “regardless of what the base might want.”
“I believe my positions are reasonable,” Fetterman said. “I’m not going to follow just the party line — I’m going to think independently.”
Growing Divide Inside the Democratic Party
Fetterman’s remarks highlight deep fractures inside the Democratic Party between spending-heavy progressives and fiscally cautious moderates. Many conservatives argue this split shows Democrats are out of touch with working Americans, prioritizing government expansion over economic stability.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders say their common-sense funding plan puts families, veterans, and small businesses first — and they’re calling on Senate Democrats to stop playing politics and put America back to work.
