Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman praised former South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham during a Fox News interview. He said they bonded over their “love and devotion to Israel.” The exchange placed their shared support for Israel at the center of Fetterman’s praise.
The exchange aired during Maria Bartiromo’s Fox News program. Bartiromo asked Fetterman about Graham’s legacy and his willingness to work with Republicans.
Bartiromo said Fetterman’s colleagues were attacking Graham’s legacy. Fetterman responded by calling Graham a friend and “a great American.”
He said Graham’s Republican affiliation did not change that assessment. Fetterman also praised Graham’s work involving Ukraine, Russian sanctions, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
He said Graham remained committed to bipartisan cooperation and finding “a way forward.” Fetterman acknowledged public clashes but described Graham differently in private.
He called Graham “the first guy to cross the bridge” and seek agreement. Fetterman added that Graham’s sister appeared ready to carry on his legacy.
John Fetterman’s Israel Remarks Draw Backlash and Defense
The exchange divided responses between questions about Fetterman’s priorities and support for his bipartisan approach.
One response asked, “What does Israel have on these politicians?” Another wrote, “Didn’t realize that the people of PA sent Fetterman to the senate to represent Israel.”
A separate response stated, “Wish he cared about Pennsylvania the way he does about Israel.” Another asked, “Hey John, what about your love and devotion to the United States?”
Others defended Fetterman’s position. One wrote, “Fetterman is everything a true American politician should be . He tries to work with the opposite party.”
A separate response stated, “Not sure why thats an odd thing to say. It was among the things Lindsey Graham was best known for.”
The dispute leaves unresolved how Fetterman’s position will affect his relationship with Pennsylvania voters. It also raises questions about whether his bipartisan alignment will deepen tensions within the Democratic Party.
