In a notable break from his party, John Fetterman, a Democrat, recently explained his decision to support Markwayne Mullin, Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Fetterman was one of only two Democrats who voted in favor of the MAGA Republican, going against the majority of his peers. During an interview with Fox News’ “Saturday in America,” the Pennsylvania lawmaker emphasized his commitment to prioritizing national interests over partisan politics. “It’s interesting that some Democrats criticized me for supporting Secretary Mullin,” Fetterman stated, highlighting his attempt to prioritize the nation’s well-being.

Fetterman drew a parallel between his vote and recent unsettling events in Philadelphia. He pointed out the lack of criticism towards those who have openly called for harm to U.S. service members, saying, “I’m on the right side of reasonable. I’m on the right side of never shutting the government down. I stand for country over party, and that’s where I will remain.” His comments come in the wake of protests in Philadelphia, where demonstrators expressed support for the deaths of American soldiers—a stance that shocked many.

During the protest, a masked speaker incited the crowd by declaring, “For every US military base that crumbles and for every US soldier who returns home in a casket, we cheer.” Fetterman publicly condemned the protest, labeling the remarks as “truly appalling” on social media platform X. He expressed frustration, asking, “Where’s the Dem outrage and condemnation?” His sentiments were echoed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who responded to Fetterman’s post by calling the demonstration “sick” and praising Fetterman’s query as a “very good question.”

Last week, Fetterman was one of two Democrats who voted to confirm Mullin’s nomination for the role of DHS Secretary. Fetterman and Democrat Martin Heinrich of New Mexico crossed party lines to support the majority of Republicans and approve the nomination, which was confirmed 54-45 on Monday evening. Mullin’s nomination was also advanced out of the Senate homeland security committee the week prior, only after Fetterman was the only member of his party to support the nominee.

Over the last few months, Fetterman has toed a fine line on the immigration issue. He has both defended the work of ICE agents ‘deporting criminal migrants in our country’, while also calling for now-former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to be ousted and for the agency to come under ‘new leadership.’