Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Fetterman

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to John Fetterman.

John Fetterman is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2019. Subsequently, he was the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. His political career reflects a move from local to state and then federal office within the Democratic party.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banning Same-Sex Marriage

In 1996, a Pennsylvania law was enacted that banned same-sex marriage, which John Fetterman began defying in 2013 by marrying LGBT couples.

2004: Cox Arrested

In 2004, Jayme Cox was arrested, which later became a point of contention during the 2009 mayoral campaign when Fetterman released non-public records of the arrest.

2009: Fetterman Wins Primary Amidst Controversy

In 2009, during the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock, Jayme Cox criticized John Fetterman for abuse of power after Fetterman released non-public records that showed Cox was arrested in 2004. Fetterman defeated Cox in the primary.

2009: Town Council Attempts to Remove Fetterman

In 2009, members of the Braddock town council attempted to have John Fetterman removed and arrested after he criticized a political opponent, and he was cited for an occupancy permit violation.

January 2013: Fetterman Detains Jogger with Shotgun

In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed Black American jogger, Chris Miyares, with a shotgun in North Braddock after mistaking the sound of bottle rockets for gunfire.

January 2019: Light Work Schedule

From his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was blank for one-third of workdays.

November 2020: Fetterman Responds to Trump's Election Fraud Claims

In November 2020, John Fetterman responded to Donald Trump's threat to file lawsuits alleging voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, stating Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll".

2020: Low Senate Attendance

In 2020, John Fetterman attended only half of the Pennsylvania State Senate's sessions as lieutenant governor.

2020: Response to Trump's voter fraud claims in Pennsylvania

In 2020, after Joe Biden won the presidential election in Pennsylvania and Trump claimed voter fraud, Fetterman certified three cases of voter fraud in Pennsylvania where individuals voted on behalf of dead relatives, all for Trump. He sarcastically suggested that Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick should pay $1 million for each case, gaining nationwide publicity.

2021: Low Senate Attendance

In 2021, John Fetterman attended only a third of the Pennsylvania State Senate's sessions as lieutenant governor.

May 2022: Light Work Schedule

From his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was blank for one-third of workdays.

September 2022: Fetterman Agrees to Debate Oz

In September 2022, Oz called on Fetterman to debate him. Fetterman agreed to debate in "the middle to end of October" but did not commit to a specific date in September, leading to criticism and raising questions about his fitness to serve.

October 2023: Fetterman calls for Menendez expulsion

In October 2023, after federal prosecutors accused New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez of taking bribes, Fetterman was the first senator to call for his expulsion.

March 26, 2024: Fetterman Denounced Biden Administration on U.N. Ceasefire Vote

On March 26, 2024, John Fetterman and Representative Josh Gottheimer criticized the Biden administration for not opposing a U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire for Ramadan, with Fetterman reportedly advocating for continued military action against Hamas.

November 5, 2024: Fetterman disrupts Jon Stewart's election special

On November 5, 2024, Fetterman disrupted Jon Stewart's live election special on The Daily Show by canceling an interview 30 seconds before it was scheduled to air.

December 2024: Fetterman's Stance After Trump's 2024 Election Victory

In December 2024, after Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Fetterman expressed a willingness to vote to confirm some of Trump's cabinet appointees and asked Democrats to "chill out", emphasizing the importance of supporting the country and president.

2024: Fetterman's Views on Israel Shift Rightward

In 2024, commentators noted that Fetterman's views on Israel shifted to the right and were more aligned with Republicans.

2024: Fetterman blames progressives for Trump victory

In a 2025 interview reflecting on the 2024 election, Fetterman attributed Trump's win to progressives, arguing their extreme views alienate voters in key states.

March 2025: Fetterman Misses Roll-Call Votes and Explains Absence

By March 2025, Fetterman had missed more roll-call votes than any other U.S. senator for the year, explaining that he often checked in with his father and preferred spending Mondays with his children instead of attending procedural votes. He also criticized hearings and quit the Democratic Caucus group chat.

March 2025: Fetterman calls for Democrats to be more ruthless and to vote for Republican funding bill

In March 2025, Fetterman called for Democrats to be more ruthless like Republicans to pass legislative priorities. He criticized Democrats for pandering to the left and voted for a Republican-led stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, especially regarding the Gaza war and Israel.

March 2025: Fetterman advocates for simpler political language

In March 2025, Fetterman urged Democrats to communicate like "regular" people instead of using complex terms such as "oligarchy". He also voiced his concerns about the negative impact of "unlimited money" in politics.