Fetterman’s Defiance Sparks Democratic Backlash, Mullin Says Party ‘Eats Its Own’

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is once again under the microscope, but this time it’s not just his health sparking chatter—it’s his refusal to toe the Democratic Party line. Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., told WTFNewsRoom that Fetterman’s cognitive challenges, which loomed large during his 2022 campaign against Dr. Mehmet Oz, seem to be improving. Mullin, no doctor but a keen observer, noted that their interactions have been productive, even refreshing. Yet, the real story lies in Fetterman’s political evolution.

Once a progressive darling, backed by the likes of Sen. Bernie Sanders, Fetterman has veered from the left’s script, particularly on issues like Israel and Iran. This has cost him the adoration of his former base and, according to Mullin, drawn the ire of a Democratic machine that demands conformity. “If you don’t align with every point, they’ll erase you,” Mullin quipped, suggesting the party is behind the recent flurry of critical press about Fetterman.

Fetterman’s unapologetic independence—his blunt speech, his hoodie-clad defiance of Senate norms—has made him a target. Mullin sees this as a virtue, praising Fetterman for staying true to himself. “He’s his own man,” Mullin said, noting that Democrats didn’t bat an eye at Fetterman’s health when he was their candidate, but now amplify his struggles as he breaks ranks. Even staffers who’ve clashed with him, like those griping over his meeting with President Donald Trump, are dismissed by Mullin: “His name’s on the door, not theirs.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., vouched for Fetterman’s work ethic, citing their collaboration on hunger programs. But not everyone’s eager to talk—Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., dodged questions about Fetterman faster than you can say “Capitol Hill.” The takeaway? Fetterman’s willingness to buck the system has made him a lightning rod, and the Democratic Party’s appetite for control might just be its own undoing.