In a surprising move, Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman broke ranks with his party to support Donald Trump’s nominee for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin. Fetterman, known for his occasional divergence from Democratic norms, was one of only two Democrats to back the MAGA Republican. Speaking on Fox News’ “Saturday in America,” he emphasized his decision was driven by a commitment to prioritize national interest over partisan loyalty. “Many Democrats criticized my decision to collaborate with Secretary Mullin,” he noted.
Country Over Party
He continued, “Yet, there seems to be silence when it comes to people openly advocating harm to American service members right in downtown Philadelphia. I stand firmly on the side of reasonableness and against government shutdowns. My allegiance lies with the country, not the party, and that’s where I intend to stay.” His comments came in response to a disturbing protest in Philadelphia, where demonstrators shockingly celebrated the deaths of U.S. soldiers.
An Unlikely Alliance
During the protest, a masked speaker declared, “For every U.S. military base that falls and for each soldier who returns in a coffin, we rejoice.” Fetterman swiftly condemned these statements on social media, describing them as “truly appalling.” He questioned the absence of Democratic condemnation, writing, “These [expletive] are cheering for the death of our servicemembers. Where’s the outrage?” Texas Senator Ted Cruz echoed Fetterman’s sentiments, noting the event was “sick” and engaging in the conversation with a supportive response.
Last week, Fetterman was one of two Democrats who voted to confirm Mullin’s nomination for the role of DHS Secretary. Fetterman and Democrat Martin Heinrich of New Mexico crossed party lines to support the majority of Republicans and approve the nomination, which was confirmed 54-45 on Monday evening. Mullin’s nomination was also advanced out of the Senate homeland security committee the week prior, only after Fetterman was the only member of his party to support the nominee.
Over the last few months, Fetterman has toed a fine line on the immigration issue. He has both defended the work of ICE agents ‘deporting criminal migrants in our country’, while also calling for now-former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to be ousted and for the agency to come under ‘new leadership.’
