Fetterman’s criticism followed denunciations from several liberal cable news pundits.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman recently took to X to criticize fellow Democrats for their conduct during President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress, labeling their behavior as “unhinged petulance.” He expressed concern that such actions might inadvertently enhance Trump’s presidential image, saying their antics during the speech “only make Trump look more presidential and restrained”.
During the speech, some Democratic lawmakers displayed signs with messages like “FAKE” and “PROTECT VETERANS,” while Representative Al Green was removed for disruptive behavior. Fetterman warned that these actions could render Democrats as “the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention to.”
Fetterman took particular issue with his fellow Dems’ refusal to stand and applaud for 13-year-old DJ Daniel, who is battling cancer and was sworn in as an honorary member of the United States Secret Service during Trump’s address to Congress.
Not only did Fetterman side with Trump when reacting to Democratic lawmakers’ protests, he also agreed with the President on his most recent warning to terror group Hamas. In a post on social media, Trump instructed Hamas to give up all hostages and return the bodies of any dead hostages to Israel “OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER.” Fetterman tweeted his agreement with Trump, saying “Free all the hostages or start killing Hamas members again. I fully agree with” the President.
Fetterman’s criticism of Democrats’ conduct was joined by former Obama strategist and CNN pundit David Axelrod who called Rep. Green’s actions “despicable.” Even late-night television hosts mocked Democrats, with Stephen Colbert saying “Democrats came ready to fight back with their paddles, ok? That is how you save Democracy, by quietly dissenting or bidding on an antique tea set.”
This incident underscores internal tensions within the Democratic Party regarding appropriate responses to the president’s actions and the potential political ramifications of their conduct during high-profile events. After being criticized by MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend for not responding to the “palpable disgust” of Democratic constituents, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had to reemphasize his status as party leader and said Democrats will fight against the Trump agenda with “righteous indignation.”
