Sen John Fetterman said the Democratic Party has become more accepting of people who have made hostile remarks about the United States than of members who strongly support Israel. Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, he said growing opposition to Israel within his party was putting him at odds with fellow Democrats, and that he would leave the party if it formally became anti-Israel.

Fetterman was referring to streamer Hasan Piker, who said in 2019 that America “deserved 9/11” before later saying he did not believe Americans deserved the attacks. A Pew Research Center survey found that 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents viewed Israel unfavourably in March, compared with 53% in 2022; 60% of American adults overall held an unfavourable view. Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin condemned Piker’s remarks and said he did not represent the party, while Fetterman also cited Senate votes in April to block two proposed arms sales to Israel.