U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) leaves the Senate floor as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) lashed out at President Donald Trump as rumors of a deal with Iran swirled.
"Nuclear dust, that’s the reason why we’re here. This is why I was reasoned and OK with setting myself politically on fire to be the only Democrat for the last 90 days voting against these war powers acts. Presidents always talk about their legacy. At this point, if you cave just for political convenience, what kind of legacy is that?" Fetterman told Emily Jacobs at The Jewish Insider.
Fetterman continued that he appreciates Trump saying "well, [the war in Iran] is only going to be about that nuclear dust." However, "Israel is never allowed to fully pulverize their enemies. They're fighting a nation where they like martyrdom and that's what they celebrate. It's so dumb."
He then warned the president that reversing course in Iran could show China that he also has a lack of commitment to Taiwan.
He continued: "I hope that after that silly visit to China that [the Trump administration] aren't like, 'Well, we're going to turn our back to Taiwan.' These are all fights for civilization and democracy. I don't care if it's in Gaza or Iran, Taiwan against Chinese communism or Russia and Ukraine, it's the same fight, and that's why it's our special responsibility, it's America's, to stand with these allies."
He was followed by shaming fellow Democrats who sought a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in 2024, asking, "How can you trust these people?"
He claimed that they were pressing for a ceasefire in 2024 while Israel was desperately trying to get the hostages back.
"Can you imagine if Iran could be a nuclear power by now?" Fetterman asked.
Fetterman then said that if there had been a ceasefire in July 2024, former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar wouldn't be dead, and the hostages likely wouldn't have all been returned.
"They could launch thousands of rockets at will — and think of the capabilities that Iran could be at now. Where's the outrage? They pretended to be so worried about it. It was politically convenient to try to push Israel into a position that would put Iran on the path to a nuclear power, and [leave] their proxies fully intact," he added.