Wearing a seatbelt is something that’s already expected when you’re on a plane. However, some people still seem to have trouble following this simple rule. Surprisingly, among them is Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. A video of him getting into a spat with an American Airlines pilot over not wanting to wear his seatbelt started trending online. The recording began with the pilot asking whether the senator was wearing his seatbelt. Fetterman responds that he is, but the pilot insists that the seatbelt must be worn in a way that’s visible, as per federal regulations. The pilot even offers to give him a seatbelt extender to accommodate the Pennsylvania senator’s attire.
Despite this offer, John Fetterman resists the request. The pilot then said that if the senator wants to go to Pittsburgh, he has to comply with the regulations or he’ll be asked to leave the airplane. The pilot further explains that he doesn’t want to get into trouble simply because the Pennsylvania senator refuses to adjust his seatbelt to make it visible.
Although this may seem like a minor incident, it has raised serious concerns about the Pennsylvania senator’s ability to continue serving effectively. His refusal to follow a basic airline safety rule led many citizens to question his judgment and reliability. The controversy also resurfaced an earlier incident where Fetterman was involved in a car crash after allegedly speeding and rear-ending a vehicle driven by an elderly woman. The reported cause? The senator had fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Many internet users who saw the video expressed their disapproval of the Pennsylvania senator’s actions. “My god. He’s such a weiner, stop giving Democrats a bad name! We’re not asking much, like the flight team!” one Redditor remarked. Some even called him a “petulant man-child” and one of the biggest disappointments in U.S. politics.
The incident also reignited ongoing debates about the number of elderly or mentally unfit individuals serving in public office. Many people argued that those who run the country should be held to higher standards, and at the very least, should be capable of following simple flight rules like properly wearing a seatbelt.
Some users expressed concern over Fetterman’s condition. “I truly think he has mental or emotional issues. Massive staff turnover, Chief of Staff resigned. He truly needs help,” one Redditor remarked.
