Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said the Democratic Party lacks leadership and is instead driven by opposition to Donald Trump.
During an appearance on the All-In Podcast, Fetterman discussed his party’s direction with entrepreneur David Friedberg. The Pennsylvania Democrat has previously broken ranks on several issues, including his support for Israel and his vote for the Laken Riley Act.
What Fetterman Said
When asked who leads the Democratic Party today, Fetterman responded directly: “We don’t have one,” he said. “I think the TDS, Trump Derangement Syndrome, that – I think that’s the leader right now.”
Fetterman argued that his party operates on reactive opposition rather than core principles. “Right now our party is governed by the TDS,” he continued, noting it has “made it virtually impossible without being punished as a Democrat to agree something’s good or I agree with the other side.”
The Party’s Direction
The senator highlighted what he sees as inconsistency in Democratic responses to Trump administration policies. He pointed to Iran nuclear weapons as an example, noting that Democrats have long said preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is essential.
“When that happens, why not celebrate that or acknowledge that?” Fetterman asked. Instead, he said most Democrats automatically oppose whatever Trump supports, regardless of past positions.
Breaking Party Lines
Fetterman has shown a pattern of diverging from Democratic leadership on key votes and statements. He has publicly stated he does not view Trump as equivalent to Hitler and has supported various Trump administration actions.
The comments represent a rare public criticism of Democratic Party leadership from within the party’s ranks.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
