Fox News host Maria Bartiromo questioned Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) about whether he would consider switching parties. “On the left, you got such extremes. Would you consider switching parties?” she asked. Fetterman replied, “No, I’m not going to switch, but I’m just going to be an independent voice in the Democratic Party. I’m not going to be afraid if people, if there are groups attacking a Democrat, you know the last one in Pennsylvania, to me that’s part of the problem in our party.” He added, “If you want a Democrat that’s going to call people Nazis or fascists or all these kinds of things, well, I’m not going to be that guy.” The host responded, “Senator, you are a breath of fresh air. We appreciate your independence so much.”

Democratic Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick echoed similar sentiments, stating the party must curb members using hateful language and called recent statements “completely crazy” and “full of hate.” Democratic Illinois Senator Dick Durbin dismissed comparisons between Republicans and Nazis, asserting, “Republicans are not Nazis” and emphasizing, “Democrats are not evil” either. However, not all Democrats share this view. Democratic Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy defended his critiques of Trump, arguing warnings about threats to democracy remain urgent despite rising political violence. Democratic Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett doubled down on likening Trump to Nazi Germany, claiming such language is justified and does not incite violence.

Fetterman’s deviation from party lines has drawn interest from some Republicans aiming to expand their majority in the Senate. His remarks coincide with President Trump’s focus on Gaza peace through a 21-point plan and looming government shutdown negotiations as the September 30 deadline approaches. Fetterman praised Trump’s support for Israel but criticized U.S. allies advocating Palestinian state recognition, calling it “a reward for Hamas.” He warned that such actions would enable Hamas to frame its October 7 attacks as justified, stating, “I can’t ever give that to them.”