Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) recently took to social media to criticize his own party’s failure to condemn the violent protests in Los Angeles, a move that reflects a growing rift within the Democratic Party.
Fetterman, known for his forthright approach and willingness to challenge his party, expressed disappointment over the lack of condemnation of acts like arson, property destruction, and assaults on law enforcement officers.
His comments serve as a wake-up call for the Democratic Party, whose failure to denounce the violent actions of these protesters has led to accusations of enabling chaos, undermining the rule of law, and ultimately losing the moral high ground in the eyes of many Americans.
On social media platform X, Fetterman characterized the Los Angeles protests as “anarchy and true chaos.” In his post, he lamented that the Democratic Party had lost its moral authority by failing to speak out against the violence: “My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement.”
This public rebuke not only marked a shift in Fetterman’s tone but also highlighted a growing concern among Democrats who are beginning to realize that the party’s relationship with lawlessness, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, is damaging their credibility.
Fetterman clarified that his criticism wasn’t meant to attack California Governor Gavin Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass directly, but instead to highlight his personal concern with the escalating violence.
"I have no judgment to them. All I’m saying for me, with what has happened, the optics that have emerged, for the vast majority of people, it’s way beyond free speech or protesting,” Fetterman told NewsNation.
His comments signal a breaking point within the Democratic Party, as even members like Fetterman, who have traditionally aligned with progressive ideals, begin to question the party’s unwillingness to address the growing tide of lawlessness and disorder.
The protests in Los Angeles were triggered by a series of arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws more aggressively.
The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with protesters blocking major roads, vandalizing property, and attacking law enforcement officers. President Trump, responding to the unrest, made the decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers and hundreds of Marines to restore order.
The deployment, while necessary in the eyes of many, has been vehemently opposed by Newsom and Bass, who argue that it represents an overreach of executive power and a violation of California’s sovereignt.
However, their failure to acknowledge the growing violence and chaos on the streets of Los Angeles has led to increasing frustration among Americans who feel their safety is being compromised.
In his comments, Fetterman expressed support for free speech and peaceful protests, noting that while he understands the right to protest, what transpired in Los Angeles went beyond the bounds of lawful demonstration.
"I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that," he wrote. His remarks underscore the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protests and violent riots that threaten the safety of citizens and undermine the rule of law.
Fetterman’s recognition that the protests in Los Angeles had escalated into something far more dangerous than a peaceful demonstration is a sign that even some Democrats are starting to recognize the harm caused by the unchecked violence that has plagued many major cities.
The situation in Los Angeles has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, with Trump and the GOP continuing to advocate for stronger border security and enforcement of U.S. laws.
By deploying federal troops, Trump is sending a message that law and order will be upheld, and those who engage in violence and lawlessness will face the consequences.
Trump’s approach, though controversial, has been widely supported by many Americans who believe that the safety and security of citizens must come before political ideologies or special interests.
By taking action, Trump is asserting the power of the federal government to protect its citizens, a move that is seen as a necessary response to the failure of local and state officials to take control of the situation.
Meanwhile, Newsom and Bass have focused their attention on condemning the federal response, claiming that the deployment of the National Guard is an abuse of power and a violation of state rights.
Newsom went so far as to announce that he would sue the Trump administration over the deployment, calling it a "blatant abuse of power" and accusing the president of undermining the checks and balances of government.
“We will sue to stop this. The Courts and Congress must act. Checks and balances are crumbling,” Newsom said. However, his remarks appear to be little more than political grandstanding, as they fail to address the underlying issue of the violence in Los Angeles.
By refusing to acknowledge the severity of the situation and focusing instead on attacking the federal government, Newsom and Bass are only prolonging the crisis and allowing further damage to be done.
In a pointed response to Bass’ comments urging protesters to remain peaceful, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, issued a harsh rebuke on social media, telling Bass, “You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced.”
Miller’s statement emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order and making it clear that those who engage in violent protests will face the consequences.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed this sentiment, writing, “The Right to assemble and protest does not include a license to attack law enforcement officers, or to impede and obstruct our lawful immigration operations.”
Bongino’s comments underscore the need for the federal government to intervene in cases where local law enforcement is unable or unwilling to maintain order.
The ongoing unrest in Los Angeles has exposed the limits of state and local leadership, as Newsom and Bass have failed to take decisive action to quell the violence.
Instead, they have focused on opposing federal intervention, leaving their citizens vulnerable to the chaos that continues to unfold in their city.
The situation in Los Angeles is a clear example of the breakdown in law and order that has occurred in many Democratic-controlled cities across the United States.
As protests have turned into riots, the need for strong federal intervention has never been more apparent. Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to restore order is a necessary and responsible response to the growing lawlessness in Los Angeles.
While Newsom and Bass continue to resist federal assistance, Trump’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of American citizens, no matter the political fallout.
In conclusion, the ongoing protests in Los Angeles and the broader debate over immigration enforcement highlight the deepening divisions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders.
While Newsom and Bass continue to resist federal intervention and focus on political rhetoric, Trump and the GOP have made it clear that law and order must be restored, and that violent protests will not be tolerated.
Fetterman’s remarks reflect a growing recognition among Democrats that the party’s failure to condemn violence and lawlessness is damaging its credibility and moral authority.
As the situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve, it is clear that the Trump administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting American citizens is the right course of action for the country’s future.
