Joe Rogan says Democrats target Fetterman for backing voter ID

WASHINGTON, DC: Podcaster Joe Rogan spoke out in defense of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman this week, saying the Democrat has been unfairly targeted by his own party for supporting voter ID laws. Fetterman’s stance, which aligns with long-standing Republican-backed measures to strengthen election security, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. 

Rogan made the remarks during a conversation with actress Cheryl Hines about political backlash and the pressures elected officials face when breaking from party orthodoxy. Hines, whose husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced similar scrutiny, expressed support for Fetterman, saying, "I like John Fetterman."

Rogan says Democrats ‘hate’ Fetterman now

Rogan argued that Fetterman’s experience illustrates the consequences politicians face when taking positions seen as out of step with their party.

"Once you get in, for the most part, you have to adhere to the mindset of all the other people that are in your business. And if you don't, you get cast — like John Fetterman — like you get cast out. They hate that guy now. They're mad at him because he says, ‘I think you should probably have ID to vote,'" Rogan said.

He added that Republicans face similar pressures when breaking from party lines, citing Representative Thomas Massie as an example of how deviation from party consensus can trigger severe backlash.

Fetterman called ‘authentic’ and ‘sweet guy’ by Rogan

Rogan praised Fetterman’s character, saying, "He's great. He's a sweet guy. He's authentic. Well, that guy genuinely worked in charities for his whole life. Like, he genuinely worked in doing philanthropy work and, like, real stuff. Like, he’s not a greedy guy. He walks around in a Carhartt hoodie and shorts."

Fetterman supports voter ID amid party divisions

Voter ID remains a divisive issue between the parties. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which Republicans back, would require states to verify voter eligibility using documentary proof of citizenship. Democrats argue such laws could restrict access to voting, while Republicans call them necessary to prevent fraud.

Fetterman has defended voter ID as a reasonable requirement, pointing to states like Wisconsin with similar laws. "It's not a radical idea for regular Americans to show your ID to vote," he said, rejecting comparisons to Jim Crow-era restrictions.