John Fetterman says Democrats have no leader: ‘Our party is governed by Trump Derangement Syndrome’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman has said that the Democratic Party currently lacks a leader, claiming instead that it is driven by a deep-seated animosity toward President Donald Trump.

During a podcast appearance, Fetterman said the party is driven by deep anger toward Donald Trump, often described as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” 

John Fetterman says hatred of Trump leads the party

During an interview on the ‘All-In podcast’ on Wednesday, March 18, co-host David Friedberg asked John Fetterman who he believed currently leads the Democratic Party. 

Fetterman had a blunt reply; he argued that a collective reaction to the president dictates the party’s direction. 

"Oh, we don’t have one," Fetterman said. "I think the TDS, that’s the leader right now… our party is governed by the TDS. And now it’s made it virtually impossible without being punished as a Democrat to agree something’s good or I agree with the other side."

John Fetterman stands alone in support of US-Israeli strikes

Fetterman used the US-Israel military actions against Iran as a primary example of this partisan divide.

He noted that he appears to be the only Democrat in Congress who has publicly voiced support for 'Operation Epic Fury.'

To him, the lack of support from his peers is confusing because preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has long been a stated goal for members of both parties. 

"I think it’s a great thing to break and destroy the Iranian regime. I think it’s appropriate to hold them accountable. And what’s strange to me is that, every single Democrat that’s run for president and anyone I know in Congress has said, 'We must never allow them to acquire a nuclear b**b.' When that happens, why not celebrate that or acknowledge that? I’ve only witnessed criticism," the senator remarked. 

He specifically praised the joint US-Israeli strikes that took place on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, asserting that the president was "absolutely correct" to take such a decisive action.

He further stated, "You don't have to agree on every single thing. But when a good thing happens, just because it comes from a different party, that tells me that you're choosing the demand of the base or the party over country or what's really, I think, appropriate in that circumstances."

John Fetterman says he is not afraid of party backlash

This is not the first time Fetterman has praised President Trump’s ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as he has previously expressed frustration with Democrats who refused to vote to open the government and has stood against activists who doxxed immigration agents. 

Fetterman made it clear to the podcast hosts that he is not concerned with the backlash he receives for finding common ground with his political opponents. 

He concluded by urging a more civil view of the opposition, stating of Republicans, "They’re not Nazis, they’re not fascists."