Fetterman breaks with Dems on reining in Trump's strikes on alleged drug boats; approval rating up among Republicans

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman went against the Democratic grain again.

Fetterman on Wednesday was the lone Democrat in the Senate to vote against a measure to prevent President Donald Trump from using military force against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean without congressional authorization. Even with the support of two Republicans, the Democratic motion failed on a 48-51 vote.

On social media Wednesday night, Fetterman was quick to praise Trump for his role in brokering the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.

“I congratulate (Trump) on this historic peace plan that releases all the hostages. Now, enduring peace in the region is possible,” Fetterman posted on X. “Our parties are different but we have a shared ironclad commitment to Israel and its people.”

Fetterman’s office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Fetterman has gained attention — along with disdain from some in his own party and respect from many Republicans — for being willing to break with Democrats and work with Republicans and the Trump administration on certain issues.

Last week, Fetterman was one of just three members of the Democratic caucus to vote in favor of a GOP plan to fund the government through late November before the shutdown took effect. He also voted in favor of a separate Democratic proposal to fund the government through October and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of the year.

Fetterman has voted to confirm half of Trump’s 22 cabinet nominees — tied with U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., for the most among members of the Democratic caucus. He also was the only Democrat to vote against a measure to prevent further military action against Iran without congressional authorization.

Fetterman’s approach has made him more popular with Republicans than Democrats, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released last week.

The poll shows that 62% of registered Republicans approve of the job Fetterman is doing, compared to just 33% of Democrats.

A January 2024 poll by Quinnipiac showed only 12% of Republicans had a favorable opinion of Fetterman, while 76% of Democrats did.