Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., delivered pointed criticism of his own party during a Tuesday morning appearance on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria,” while also offering candid advice on how Republicans could maintain control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
Host Maria Bartiromo opened the interview by asking Fetterman about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent call for the United States to end military aid to Israel. Fetterman did not hold back in his response.
“You know, I’ve consistently—that’s part of the rot in the Democratic Party,” Fetterman said. “If you have to pick a side, why would you pick the side or defend Hamas or defend Iran in a way? For me, stand with Israel. I’ll never vote for any kinds of restrictions on aid, whether it’s military, financial, or intelligence.”
Fetterman argued that opposing aid to Israel has become a “serious problem” within his party, saying he would never support restrictions on assistance to America’s key Middle East ally.
Bartiromo pressed further, asking whether progressive Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez were standing in the way of peace in the region.
Fetterman responded by rejecting what he described as pandering to anti-Israel sentiment within Democratic ranks.
“I refuse to pander to the part of my Democratic Party that finds that there’s value in being anti-Israel,” he said. “They use the word ‘anti-Zionism’—I mean, effectively what that’s really become on college campuses and places is just anti-Semitism.”
He added that he plans to remain “an unapologetic supporter for Israel,” signaling a sharp contrast with some in his caucus.
The conversation then shifted to the 2026 midterms. Bartiromo noted that Fetterman had previously predicted Democrats could regain control of the House and chip away at the GOP’s narrow Senate majority.
Fetterman said history suggests the party in power typically faces backlash in midterm elections.
“There’s always going to be some kind of a backlash,” he said, noting that the House is often expected to flip when margins are tight.
As for the Senate, Fetterman acknowledged it is a tougher battleground but suggested Republicans should focus on securing vulnerable seats rather than risking unnecessary intraparty fights.
Pointing to Texas, Fetterman referenced incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who is facing a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Cornyn is a reasonable Republican, and now that would be money in the bank,” Fetterman said. “But now I don’t know why politically—I’m not sure why the Republicans and the president wouldn’t sit on that and just lock down Texas.”
He suggested that internal divisions could create opportunities for Democrats in otherwise Republican-leaning states.
Fetterman also advised Republicans to focus on issues where they traditionally hold an advantage, including border security, deporting criminals and strengthening the economy.
“Focus on securing our border and deporting the criminals and stop all the kinds of tragedies in Minneapolis,” he said, adding that Republicans should concentrate on economic concerns as well.
Cornyn is widely viewed as a strong general election candidate, while Paxton has faced corruption allegations and personal scandal. Democrats are reportedly hopeful that a divisive GOP primary could open a path to flipping the Texas seat if Paxton emerges as the nominee.
Fetterman’s remarks highlighted ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel, while also underscoring how closely divided the Senate remains heading into the next election cycle.
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