Fetterman Takes Swipe at AOC: “We Kept Our Government Open. Deal with It”
Washington, D.C., March 21, 2025 — Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has ignited a political firestorm with a pointed comment aimed at fellow progressive representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). During a recent public appearance, Fetterman criticized Ocasio-Cortez and other members of the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, saying, “We kept our government open. Deal with it.”
The remark came after a tense standoff in Congress over the federal budget, which saw a number of progressive lawmakers, including Ocasio-Cortez, opposing a budget deal they felt did not do enough to address key social issues like healthcare and climate change. The deal ultimately passed, narrowly averting a government shutdown, but not without heated debate.
Fetterman’s swipe at Ocasio-Cortez appears to reflect the growing divide within the Democratic Party between its centrist and progressive wings. While Fetterman has positioned himself as a pragmatic figure who is willing to make compromises to keep the government functioning, Ocasio-Cortez and her allies have pushed for more aggressive policies and reforms that align with their progressive ideals.
A Divided Party
The exchange has highlighted the ongoing rift within the party, as the balance between progressive ideals and political pragmatism continues to be a point of contention. Ocasio-Cortez, along with other members of “The Squad,” has consistently called for bold changes, such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. On the other hand, lawmakers like Fetterman have often argued that such sweeping reforms need to be achieved through a more measured, step-by-step approach.
In response to Fetterman’s comment, Ocasio-Cortez fired back on social media, accusing her colleagues of prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term systemic change. “We can’t just keep kicking the can down the road and pretending it’s progress. True change requires fighting for the people, not just keeping the lights on,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote, further underscoring the tension between her and more moderate factions of the party.
Public Reaction
The exchange between Fetterman and Ocasio-Cortez has sparked widespread discussion, with pundits and political analysts weighing in on the implications for the future of the Democratic Party. Some see Fetterman’s comment as an effort to maintain unity within the party, especially as Republicans have used the internal divisions among Democrats as political fodder in the past. Others argue that Ocasio-Cortez and her allies are pushing the party to be more ambitious in enacting progressive policies, and their pushback is necessary for the long-term goals of social change.
“I think Fetterman’s comment was a reflection of the reality of getting things done in Congress, especially when facing opposition from Republicans,” said political analyst Sarah Langston. “But Ocasio-Cortez is right that the party needs to stay focused on delivering real solutions to the public. It’s a fine balance.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the ongoing struggle for the soul of the Democratic Party is expected to intensify. Both factions will need to navigate the complex dynamics of appeasing their base while also appealing to moderate voters in swing districts.
For now, it remains unclear whether Fetterman and Ocasio-Cortez will find common ground or if their rivalry will continue to shape the discourse within the party. What is clear, however, is that the ideological divide in the Democratic Party is far from resolved, and the fight over its future is only just beginning.
