Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., isn’t mincing words about the mess in Washington, slamming the ongoing government shutdown as a pointless charade while also weighing in on the rise of New York City’s new mayor-elect.
According to Fox Business, in a nutshell, Fetterman aired his grievances on FOX Business, tackling both the internal Democratic squabbles over Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s ascent and the devastating effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Let’s start with the shutdown, a debacle that’s dragged on far too long, leaving critical programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in limbo since Nov. 1. This marks the first time in 60 years that food assistance has been disrupted by such a failure in governance. Fetterman, a self-described “committed Democrat,” has voted four times to end this crisis, clearly fed up with the gridlock.
“This thing's run its course,” Fetterman declared on “Kudlow,” and frankly, it’s hard to disagree when you see the ripple effects hitting everyday Americans. From military personnel to Capitol police and air traffic controllers, the fallout is undeniable. The idea that basic governance can’t be achieved in a nation this powerful is nothing short of embarrassing.
Speaking of embarrassment, Fetterman didn’t hold back, admitting he’s “embarrassed” by the whole ordeal on FOX Business. And why shouldn’t he be? When SNAP benefits get paused—only partially restored after court-ordered emergency funds from the Department of Agriculture—it’s clear the system is failing those who need it most.
Then there’s the travel chaos, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing a 10% capacity cut at 40 airspace locations due to staffing shortages. Fetterman himself couldn’t even secure a flight to D.C., a small but telling sign of how deep this dysfunction runs. If a senator can’t get to the Capitol, what hope do regular folks have for normalcy?
Beyond travel, the shutdown’s tentacles reach into vital sectors, as Fetterman pointed out, affecting “the unions that have all been touched by this thing” during his FOX Business interview. It’s a stark reminder that while politicians bicker, real people—soldiers, law enforcement, and working families—bear the brunt. This isn’t just politics; it’s a failure of responsibility.
Switching gears to the Democratic Party’s internal drama, Fetterman also commented on the rise of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect. He noted the “very active” progressive wing of the party, a polite way of saying there’s a rift over Mamdani’s success. While Fetterman seems indifferent to the outcome, the tension among party leaders is palpable.
Take Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who, despite being a New Yorker, couldn’t bring himself to formally endorse Mamdani. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries eventually threw his support behind the mayor-elect. It’s a classic case of party disunity, with progressives pushing boundaries that make traditionalists squirm.
The Mamdani saga took a public turn when Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., interrupted Schumer during a press conference to criticize Democrats for dragging their feet on support. This kind of open discord doesn’t exactly scream “united front,” and it’s a gift to those who argue the left is more focused on ideology than results. Fetterman, for his part, seems content to watch from the sidelines.
But let’s circle back to the shutdown, because that’s the real travesty here. Fetterman’s frustration isn’t just political theater; it’s rooted in the very real pain of constituents who rely on programs like SNAP. When food assistance gets caught in the crossfire of partisan games, you have to wonder if Washington remembers who it’s supposed to serve. The partial restoration of SNAP benefits under the Trump administration’s emergency measures is a Band-Aid, not a fix. Court orders shouldn’t be the only thing keeping families fed in the wealthiest nation on earth. It’s a glaring signal that the current stalemate isn’t just inconvenient—it’s indefensible.
Air traffic reductions are another gut punch, with Duffy’s announcement painting a grim picture of a system under strain. When 40 airspace locations cut capacity by 10%, it’s not just senators missing flights—it’s businesses, families, and entire industries taking a hit. This isn’t leadership; it’s a slow-motion disaster.
Fetterman’s take on all this cuts to the core: America deserves better than a government that can’t keep the lights on. His call for an end to this “sad political spectacle” isn’t just rhetoric; it’s a plea for sanity in a capital that’s lost its way. Conservatives and moderates alike can nod to that, even if they don’t always see eye-to-eye with his party.
At the end of the day, this shutdown—and the Democratic infighting over figures like Mamdani—reveals a deeper rot in our political system. When ideology trumps function, and progressive agendas clash with pragmatic governance, it’s the American people who pay the price. Fetterman’s frustration is a mirror to a nation tired of the circus, and it’s high time Washington took note.