Fetterman draws praise from colleagues after backing Trump's positions: 'He won tough state'

WASHINGTON, DC: After Sen John Fetterman helped confirm President Donald Trump’s choice, Kevin Warsh, as the new Federal Reserve chair on Wednesday, May 13, his Democratic colleagues have responded to him for breaking with party lines.

Except for Fetterman, all the votes followed the party line, with Republicans voting for Warsh's confirmation and Democrats voting against it. Earlier, Fetterman joined Senate Republicans to shoot down an Iran war powers resolution.

John Fetterman's colleagues react to Sen not following party lines

Pennsylvania Senator often criticizes his party for a range of issues, such as political messaging, stand on major global developments, and criticism of Trump, among others.

One of Fetterman’s closest friends in the Senate, Vermont Sen Peter Welch, said, “We should listen to him. He won in a tough state.”

“We’re quibbling about somebody who speaks his mind and votes with us over 90% of the time. I think we should show some respect,” Welch added.

Sen Brian Schatz, the likely next Democratic whip, called Fetterman “a good human and a good Democrat” who has an independent voice.

“I think we should have a big enough and diverse enough party to not just tolerate that, but hope for it and work for it,” Schatz added.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has disagreed with Fetterman at times, in a statement to NOTUS praised the senator as a “strong advocate” for Pennsylvania and a “valued Democrat in our caucus.”

He added, “We’re not going to agree on every issue every day — that’s true of any broad coalition — but Senate Dems are united.”

“John’s a Democrat. He believes in the values that we share together,” New Mexico Sen Ben Ray Luján said. “He fights for his constituents. He’s a good person.”

Sen Andy Kim, from the neighboring state of New Jersey, said he hoped to engage more with Fetterman and build a stronger relationship with him.

“I wish the atmosphere [were] more collegial, and we don’t go after each other simply on our differences. I should do better to get to know him,” he told the outlet.

Democrats rallying around Fetterman despite breaking with the party on key votes highlights growing ideological tensions inside the Democratic Party ahead of the midterms

Scott Bessent hails John Fetterman for rising above political ideology

Earlier, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had appreciated Senator John Fetterman for rising above the party lines and prioritizing the country by voting to confirm President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve System Board of Governors chair.

"Today Senate GOP, along with the Democrat who put country before political ideology, confirmed POTUS's nominee Kevin Warsh as the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve," Bessent declared in a Wednesday post on X.

"Chairman Warsh will usher in a new day at an institution that is in need of accountability, sound policy guidance, and the renewed sense of purpose to help guide our economy. His chairmanship opens the door and lays the groundwork for every American family to build and grow in the world's greatest economy," Bessent added.