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 the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania, a position he has held since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Fetterman previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019. Following his mayoral tenure, he served as the 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023, marking a continued presence in Pennsylvania's political landscape.

Sections (6)

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

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banning Same-Sex Marriage

Starting in 2013, John Fetterman began defying a 1996 Pennsylvania law that banned same-sex marriage.

2004: Cox's Arrest

In 2004, Fetterman's opponent Jayme Cox was arrested, this information was then used during the election.

2009: Town Council Disputes

In 2009, John Fetterman faced attempts to remove him from a town council meeting and faced code violation accusations, highlighting a contentious relationship with the Braddock town council.

January 2013: Shotgun Incident

In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed jogger, Chris Miyares, with a shotgun in North Braddock, leading to controversy.

January 2019: Start of Light Work Schedule

From John Fetterman's inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, his official schedule as lieutenant governor was often blank, indicating a light work schedule.

November 2020: Response to Trump's Election Claims

In November 2020, John Fetterman responded to Donald Trump's voter fraud allegations in Pennsylvania by stating Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll".

2020: Response to 2020 Election Fraud Claims

In 2020, after Joe Biden won the presidential election in Pennsylvania and Trump claimed voter fraud, Fetterman responded to Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick's reward offer for proving fraud by pointing out three cases of voter fraud in Pennsylvania and sarcastically congratulating Trump on winning the "dead mother vote".

September 2022: Negotiations for Debate with Oz

In September 2022, Oz challenged Fetterman to a debate before early voting. Fetterman agreed to a debate in October but did not commit to a specific date in September, drawing criticism and raising questions about his fitness to serve.

October 2022: First In-Person Interview After Stroke

In October 2022, John Fetterman gave his first in-person interview since his stroke, with Dasha Burns on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. He required closed-captioning technology during the interview, which drew criticism.

June 9, 2024: Fetterman Involved in Two-Car Crash

On June 9, 2024, John Fetterman and his wife were hospitalized after a two-car crash in Maryland. They were quickly released, and Fetterman was found at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.

November 5, 2024: Disrupted Jon Stewart's Live Election Special

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

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2024: Expressed Willingness to Work with Trump Post-Election

In 2024, after Donald Trump won the United States presidential election, Fetterman expressed willingness to vote for some of Trump's cabinet appointees and work with Republicans, leading to rumors about a potential party switch.