Fetterman slams Dems over DHS shutdown: 'Why would you want to make America more unsecure?'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman once again criticized his own Democratic Party for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, warning that the funding lapse is leaving the nation vulnerable.

He argued that defunding the agency is wrong, stating, “You witnessed what happened in Michigan. So why would you want to make America more unsecure?”

John Fetterman criticizes fellow Democrats for not voting against the shutdown

During an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, John Fetterman argued that the country cannot lose its security agency, especially after the Michigan synagogue attack. He emphasized that he has been the only member of his party to consistently oppose the funding lapse.

"I can’t speak for it. Anyone, but just me, I’ve been consistently the only Democrat to vote against this shutdown. It’s wrong," Fetterman said. 

"You witnessed what happened in Michigan. That individual drove into the synagogue. He showed up to kill 150 toddlers. So why would you want to make America more unsecure in the middle of these kinds of attacks?" Fetterman asked.

He further expressed concern over digital safety, noting that the agency responsible for fighting hackers is also shut down. "And now, if you’ve seen any one of those disaster movies about a cyber attack, well, guess what? The cybersecurity agency is under DHS, and that’s shut down right now," the Pennsylvania politician reminded.

John Fetterman talks about the shutdown's impact on union workers and infrastructure

In addition to safety concerns, Fetterman highlighted the impact on federal employees who are working without pay. He noted that the shutdown is causing chaos for travelers and unfair conditions for staff at the nation’s airports.

"And now, you will also see people, if you’re flying you gonna see long, long lines, and I am there all the time. I ask all of those TSA agents, Hey, do you like getting paid? Yeah, yeah, we do. We do, you know?" Fetterman remarked.

The senator concluded by stating that his party’s current strategy is against their core values, "Now that’s, for me, that’s a violation of our core values as a Democrat, to punish union workers. You know, going without getting paid."

John Fetterman doubled down on his support for Trump’s Iran strategy

During the same interview, John Fetterman doubled down on his criticism of Democrats for failing to support President Donald Trump’s actions regarding Iran.

He argued that preventing a nuclear threat should be a bipartisan cause for celebration. "When Kamala Harris ran for president in 2024. She identified Iran as her top concern. Every single Democrat has said, ‘Can't ever allow them to acquire nuclear bomb,’ and when someone does that and makes sure that's almost impossible, why can't we celebrate that?" Fetterman asked.

He suggested that many in his party refuse to acknowledge successes simply because they come from the opposition.

"That comes from the truth, that, because the other side did that, you know, and if it comes from Trump, it's punishing as a Democrat to agree with that thing. And that's the place, and that's where I live, in that space, but I will always follow, I think are the moral clarities, and that's whatever you want to, you know, country over party, but it's a great thing that Iran has been broken," Fetterman said.