Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has voiced strong criticism regarding the direction of the Democratic Party, stating it has become increasingly "radical" and is drifting toward positions that are foreign to its core values, including embracing anti-Israel sentiments and communist ideologies.
Speaking at the Israel on Campus Coalition conference, Fetterman highlighted the influence of figures like socialist streamer Hasan Piker, who has publicly praised Mao Zedong and the Cuban communist regime. "If you identify with a communist who praises Mao and Cuba and for these places, that should be foreign to any Democrat," Fetterman told Fox News Digital. He noted that such figures are attracting millions of online followers and influencing the party's progressive flank.
Fetterman's remarks come in the wake of recent primary elections, which he sees as a test of the party's ideological leanings. He observed that candidates perceived as more radical or anti-Israel are gaining traction. Fetterman specifically referenced California Governor Gavin Newsom's description of Israel as an apartheid state, calling it untrue and a sign of the party's troubling shift. "The left is using the term of Zionist as like a slur or use Zio or Zio, or describing that as someone that in the negative terms," Fetterman said, adding that "being proud, pro-Israel, that's become a slur."
He also pointed to his divergence from the party on foreign policy, specifically mentioning his support for the Trump administration's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and his vote against a War Powers Act related to Iran. "I think I was the only Democrat to support the Trump administration to bomb the Iranian nuclear facilities," Fetterman stated, emphasizing his belief that addressing the threat from Iran has been a consistent challenge for American presidents.
Former President Donald Trump echoed similar sentiments, warning that the Democratic Party has moved beyond socialism and into what he described as "godless communism." He suggested that the party's progressive wing should form its own "communist of America party."
The Israel on Campus Coalition conference brought together over 800 pro-Israel students for advocacy training and discussions on supporting Israel, combating antisemitism, and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship on college campuses.