John Fetterman stuns with emotional defense of Trump voters: 'They're not fascists or Nazis'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa) delivered a deeply emotional speech at the Kennedy Center that brought the audience to complete silence as he urged Americans to reject political hatred and “turn the temperature down” following recent acts of violence.

The Pennsylvania senator, who has become known for his independent streak and blunt candor, reflected on unity, empathy, and political restraint, particularly in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the earlier assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.

John Fetterman calls for compassion and end to demonization

Taking the stage to a quiet crowd, Fetterman spoke with visible emotion as he rejected divisive rhetoric that labels opponents as “Nazis” or “fascists.”

“I know and I love people who voted for President Trump. They are NOT fascists, they’re NOT Nazis, they’re NOT trying to destroy the Constitution,” he declared, earning subdued applause.

“I REFUSE to call people Nazis or fascists. I would never compare anybody, anybody, to Hitler,” he continued, emphasizing the danger of dehumanizing language in politics.

Addressing the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s shooting, Fetterman cautioned against using moments of grief for political gain. “Like Charlie Kirk, all I could say is let people grieve, give people the space. I’m not going to use that terrible thing and that assassination to make my argument and try to put out my views.”

Fetterman’s voice broke as he referenced Trump’s near-fatal brush with violence earlier in the year. “It’s like, my God, he’s a father that had his neck blown out by a bullet. And now people have forgotten: President Trump was in my state, and was shot in the head. Could you imagine where our nation would be if he were hit in the same way as Kirk? We really got to turn the temperature down,” he said, drawing a hush over the hall.

John Fetterman praises Trump’s role in Middle East peace deal

In a surprising turn, Fetterman also praised Trump for his role in brokering the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, saying that those directly affected by the conflict viewed him favorably.

“Where I’m at now, ask any of the hostages or their families,” Fetterman said. “They think President Trump was a hero, and he deserves, you know, the kind of deal for that.”

“I think that was really a remarkable development,” he added, referring to the historic US-brokered peace deal that led to a major prisoner exchange and a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Fetterman’s comments, blending empathy, bipartisan respect, and a call for civility, resonated deeply in the packed hall. As he left the stage, the audience remained silent for several moments before breaking into applause.

John Fetterman explains his political stance amid government shutdown

Fetterman appeared at the Kennedy Center as part of a televised town hall described by host Chris Cuomo as featuring “the man in the middle” of the two-week government shutdown.

His reputation as a Democrat willing to break ranks was underscored during an exchange with Bill O’Reilly, who asked why he remains in the party despite often diverging from its mainstream positions.

“I’m the only Democrat in my family,” Fetterman replied. “My base is angry with me,” he added, acknowledging the frustration some progressives have expressed over his centrist tone and bipartisan outreach.

The Pennsylvania senator reiterated that his focus is on decency, dialogue, and progress rather than partisan loyalty.