Sen. John Fetterman is facing major backlash for casting the deciding vote to advance a Republican-backed nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security.
Fetterman sided with Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, helping move forward the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin.
The vote was 8–7, with Fetterman breaking ranks and sealing the outcome.
The decision triggered immediate anger from Democrats, with some openly calling for him to be removed.
“Once again Sen Fetterman shows why he is Trump’s favorite Democrat. He needs to go,” Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania said in a post on X.
Once again Sen Fetterman shows why he is Trump’s favorite Democrat. He needs to go. https://t.co/KOontE10u6
— Congressman Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) March 19, 2026
Fetterman has long taken positions at odds with the Democratic party line, including strong support for Israel and a willingness to work with Republicans.
“If you needed any more proof that Fetterman has completely abandoned his constituents, here it is. Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them,” added Rep. Pat Ryan of New York.
If you needed any more proof that Fetterman has completely abandoned his constituents, here it is.
Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them. https://t.co/QaFH9kDzBD
— Pat Ryan
(@PatRyanUC) March 19, 2026
Axios reports that Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan also criticized Fetterman at a town hall, drawing boos from the crowd.
“Well, we have this senator — we have two actually,” she said.
“And I have to be really honest with you, of the two, I have more success in working with the one on the [Republican] side of the aisle than the one on the [Democratic] side of the aisle.”
Fetterman defended his vote, saying he approached the decision with national security in mind.
“In January, I called on the president to fire [former DHS Secretary Kristi] Noem — and he did,” he said.
“I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind. We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS.”
He added that his vote was “rooted in a strong, committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”
Fetterman has also strongly backed Trump’s decision to declare war on Iran, arguing that the U.S. should “kill every last member” of the regime’s leadership.
FETTERMAN: We should kill every last member of Iran’s leadership
VARGAS: His son is now in charge
FETTERMAN: They should kill him too pic.twitter.com/CojGn8EKSR
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 11, 2026
He will be up for re-election in 2028, having secured a six-year term back in 2022 after defeating Republican candidate Mehmet Oz.
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