Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is once again challenging his own party — this time over the ongoing government shutdown. During a NewsNation town hall at the Kennedy Center, Fetterman accused Democratic leadership of prioritizing partisan interests over national stability, calling the impasse the “Schumer Shutdown.” He criticized Democrats for refusing to pass a clean bill to reopen the government, stating, “You don’t hold the government hostage.”

Fetterman was one of only two Senate Democrats to vote with Republicans for a clean continuing resolution. “In a period of chaos, I refuse to shut our government down,” he said. Framing his stance as a matter of principle, Fetterman declared, “I follow country, then party.” His comments further cement his image as a political maverick willing to break ranks with party leadership in moments of national consequence.

The Pennsylvania senator also took aim at the far left, denouncing what he sees as reckless and inflammatory rhetoric. He rejected the tendency to label political opponents as “fascists” or “Nazis,” warning that such language has fueled real-world violence. “I know and love people who voted for Trump. They are not fascists. I would never compare anybody to Hitler,” he said.

Fetterman condemned Democrats who exploited the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk for political gain. “Let people grieve,” he urged, referencing how such tragedies have been weaponized. He also highlighted the near-assassination of Trump in Butler, PA, saying, “We’ve really got to turn the temperature down.”

Fetterman’s independence is drawing backlash from within his party. Axios reports that top Pennsylvania Democrats are already strategizing to run against him in 2028, risking a deep party divide in a key swing state.