'Why do you hate a guy who builds rockets?' John Fetterman breaks from Democrats to praise Elon Musk

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) broke sharply from the Democratic Party's usual criticism of Elon Musk this week, praising the billionaire entrepreneur as a "modern-day Thomas Edison" and pushing back against those within his own party who have targeted Musk's wealth as a political talking point.

Fetterman's remarks were directed in part at Graham Platner, the embattled Maine Democratic Senate candidate who recently drew attention for saying that Musk is "our first trillionaire" and that Democrats should "make sure he's the last one." Fetterman, who has increasingly distanced himself from the progressive wing of his party, said that kind of rhetoric misses the point entirely.

Fetterman says he is 'in awe' of Musk's accomplishments

"I'm in awe of what he's accomplished. We're the same age. He's so far more successful and smarter than I could ever be," Fetterman said.

He went on to challenge the logic of attacking someone who has built companies, created jobs and advanced technology in ways few entrepreneurs ever have.

"Why do you hate a guy? He builds rockets. He builds cars. How many jobs have you created?" Fetterman asked.

He then drew a historical parallel to put Musk's achievements in context. "That would be like hating on Thomas Edison or these other kind of entrepreneurs,"

Fetterman said, before going further. "He is the modern-day Thomas Edison. One hundred percent."

Fetterman's remarks mark one of his most direct defenses yet of Musk, who earlier this year was a prominent figure in the Trump administration before leaving amid public disputes over the president’s spending legislation.

Most Democrats have become more vociferous in their criticism of Musk in the months since, but Fetterman has taken a different path, repeatedly resisting the anti-Musk rhetoric that has become a staple of Democratic messaging.

Fetterman pushes back on anti-billionaire rhetoric

The remarks also echo Fetterman’s broader skepticism toward the anti-billionaire stance that has become a hallmark of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

Fetterman didn’t focus on Musk’s wealth as a problem in itself, but as a byproduct of real innovation and risk-taking, as opposed to the empty criticism of politicians who have never built anything themselves.

The remarks are unlikely to win over Democratic base voters, many of whom have already turned sour on the senator over his vocal support of Israel, frequent Fox News appearances and willingness to criticize fellow Democrats by name.

Fetterman also ripped into the critics like Graham Platner, who attack Musk’s wealth, asking why anyone would hate a visionary who builds companies and creates jobs.