Senator Faults Democrats for Opposing Iran Strikes and DHS Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) widened his dramatic break with the Democratic Party on Sunday, issuing a blistering indictment of his colleagues’ opposition to Operation Epic Fury and their role in the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding crisis. In a high-profile interview with John Catsimatidis on WABC, Fetterman positioned himself as the lone voice of reason in his party, urging Democrats to back President Trump’s successful dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program.

Fetterman’s remarks come as the conflict in the Middle East enters a critical phase and a government shutdown continues to leave thousands of federal law enforcement and security agents without pay.

In a move that stunned the DNC establishment, Fetterman argued that Democrats are being hypocritical by not supporting the current military action against Tehran. He specifically cited former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign statement, in which she identified Iran as the United States’ “greatest adversary.”

Breaking the Apparatus: Fetterman claimed that Operation Epic Fury has “effectively broken the Iranian nuclear apparatus” and questioned why his party cannot agree that this is a win for international security.

National Security Over Oil: Addressing concerns about rising energy costs, Fetterman stated that any spike in oil prices is a price worth paying to eliminate the threat of an Iranian nuclear weapon.

The Lone Support: “I became the only Democrat, certainly in the Senate, to support the mission of Epic Fury,” Fetterman told WABC, praising the Trump administration for delivering on a goal both parties have long claimed to share.

Fetterman also turned his fire on Senate Democrats regarding the deadlock over DHS funding. On February 13, Fetterman was the only Democrat in the Senate to vote against moving forward with a DHS shutdown, breaking a 51-49 partisan firewall.

TSA and Coast Guard: Fetterman highlighted the plight of TSA agents and Coast Guard personnel who are currently working without pay due to the political stalemate.

The ICE Factor: He blasted the Democrat strategy of withholding funds to force changes in ICE and CBP operations, noting that the shutdown has had “zero impact” on ICE while punishing those keeping the nation secure.

Party of Union Workers: “I thought we are the party of union workers,” Fetterman said. “[Now] we are constantly voting to prevent them from being paid for their work.”

As of March 12, Reuters reported that TSA screening delays have worsened nationwide as agents continue to go unpaid—a situation Fetterman cast as a fundamental betrayal of American labor.

Fetterman’s increasingly independent stance has created a significant fracture within the Democrat caucus heading into the 2026 Midterm elections. By aligning with President Trump on key national security and labor issues, Fetterman is reshaping the political landscape in Pennsylvania and beyond.

While fellow Democrats like Dick Durbin (D-IL) argue that the current administration’s policies are “dangerous,” Fetterman maintains that the “cowardice” of past foreign policy has been corrected. “President Trump does not bluff,” Fetterman’s stance suggests, as he continues to push his party to prioritize the country’s safety over partisan “games.”