'He needs to go': Dems blast Fetterman as 'Trump's favorite Democrat' after tie-breaking DHS vote
WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa) is facing sharp backlash from members of his own party after casting the deciding vote to advance Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-Okla) nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination in an 8–7 vote, with Fetterman siding with Republicans while all other Democrats and Committee Chair Rand Paul (R-Ky) voted against it.
The vote triggered strong reactions from Democratic lawmakers, with some openly questioning Fetterman’s alignment and calling for political consequences.
Fetterman vote advances Mullin's nomination to Senate floor
Once again Sen Fetterman shows why he is Trump’s favorite Democrat. He needs to go. https://t.co/KOontE10u6
— Congressman Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) March 19, 2026
Fetterman’s vote proved decisive in moving Mullin’s nomination out of committee and onto the Senate floor. The outcome came despite unified Democratic opposition and dissent from Chairman Rand Paul.
The Pennsylvania senator, who has taken positions at odds with parts of his party in recent months, has drawn increasing scrutiny for crossing party lines on key issues.
Rep Brendan Boyle (D-Pa), who has been mentioned as a potential primary challenger, criticized Fetterman’s decision. “Once again Sen Fetterman shows why he is Trump's favorite Democrat. He needs to go,” Boyle wrote on X.
Colleagues slam abandonment of Democratic constituents
If you needed any more proof that Fetterman has completely abandoned his constituents, here it is.
— Pat Ryan 🇺🇸 (@PatRyanUC) March 19, 2026
Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them. https://t.co/QaFH9kDzBD
Criticism also came from other Democratic lawmakers. Rep Pat Ryan (D-NY) accused Fetterman of failing to represent his constituents’ interests, writing that voters deserve leadership that “actually fights for them.”
In Pennsylvania, Rep Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa) said she found it easier to work with Republican Senator Dave McCormick than with Fetterman.
At a recent town hall, reactions from attendees included audible disapproval when Fetterman’s name was mentioned.
Former Senate candidate Conor Lamb also questioned Fetterman’s record, while some past supporters publicly expressed regret over backing his 2022 campaign.
John Fetterman cites national security and DHS crisis
In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 19, 2026
I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind.
We need a leader at DHS.
We must reopen DHS.
My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working… https://t.co/uEZXoRhcdo
Fetterman defended his vote, pointing to the ongoing funding and leadership challenges at the Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement, he said his decision was based on maintaining a working relationship with Mullin and the need to restore stability at the agency.
He said the vote was necessary to help address the department’s current situation and emphasized national security concerns.
Fetterman also noted that he had previously called for the removal of former Secretary Kristi Noem and approached Mullin’s nomination with what he described as an open mind.
His office has not publicly addressed calls from within the party for further political action following the vote.
