Fetterman Calls for Cooler Heads After Charlie Kirk Assassination: “Trump Is Not Hitler”
In a moment of national grief and political upheaval, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is breaking ranks with many in his party—urging Americans to dial back dangerous rhetoric and resist equating political opponents with history’s darkest figures.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Fetterman forcefully rejected comparisons between Donald Trump and authoritarian leaders like Adolf Hitler, calling such characterizations “reckless” and potentially incendiary—especially in light of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
New — John Fetterman unplugged in wide-ranging interview on @InsidePolitics Sunday 8aET/11aET:
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) September 14, 2025
Pushes back on Ds on Trump: “If you actually compare him to an actual autocrat, it is not just that… This is not an autocrat. This is a product of a democratic election.”
More Sunday pic.twitter.com/8TFJTZ7CXG
“Trump is not an autocrat,” Fetterman said. “He was elected. You may not like it, but that’s democracy. Comparing him to Hitler is just outlandish—and look at what just happened with Charlie Kirk. That kind of rhetoric is not just wrong, it’s dangerous.”
“Lower the Temperature”
The Pennsylvania senator’s remarks come amid intense national soul-searching after Kirk, a polarizing but prominent figure on the American right, was fatally shot earlier this week. His death has ignited a fierce debate about the consequences of political extremism—not just in action, but in speech.
Fetterman pointed to the atmosphere surrounding protests, where demonstrators shouted phrases like “That’s Hitler” in reference to Trump. He warned that invoking fascist imagery, particularly amid such high tensions, only serves to deepen divides and inflame passions.
“When you start labeling political opponents as Nazis or autocrats, you dehumanize them,” he added. “And when people are dehumanized, violence becomes easier to justify for some.”
Fetterman Stands Alone—Again
Fetterman, no stranger to bucking his party’s line, emphasized that Trump’s presidency—however controversial—was the result of a democratic process.
He reiterated his belief in the 2020 election’s legitimacy and made clear that peaceful transitions of power must be respected, even if outcomes are disappointing.
“We lost. The American people voted, and we ended up in the minority. That’s democracy,” he said. “We don’t have to like the outcome, but we have to honor it.”
While he acknowledged Trump’s divisiveness and policy disagreements, Fetterman cautioned against demonization, insisting that disagreement does not equate to dictatorship.
FBI Investigation Into Kirk’s Assassination
As political debate intensifies, federal investigators continue to unravel the events leading up to Charlie Kirk’s killing.
The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt. According to senior FBI sources, Robinson had been living with his partner, Lance Twiggs, also 22, in St. George, Utah.
Twiggs has been fully cooperative and is not a suspect, authorities confirmed. The couple’s apartment was searched, and electronic devices have been sent to Quantico for forensic analysis. One FBI agent stated Twiggs “had no idea” about Robinson’s alleged intentions.
The case took a dramatic turn when Robinson’s own father identified him in surveillance footage broadcast by FBI Director Kash Patel. After consulting a family minister, the father alerted authorities, leading to the suspect’s eventual surrender. According to sources, Robinson had been suicidal and told family members he planned to kill himself before turning himself in.
Words, Weapons, and Warnings
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has amplified growing concerns over the intersection of ideology, extremism, and violence in American politics. It’s a moment many see as a national tipping point.
In that context, Fetterman’s message stands out—not for its alignment with any one ideology, but for its call for responsibility. In a climate where political discourse is often reduced to hyperbole and hostility, he’s urging both sides to take a step back.
“We need to stop throwing gas on the fire,” he said. “When the volume gets too loud, people stop listening—and start reacting.”
Conclusion: A Sobering Crossroads
Senator Fetterman’s remarks have reignited debate about the power—and peril—of political language in a nation increasingly on edge. As the FBI continues to investigate the motives behind Kirk’s assassination, the bigger question looms: How do we keep disagreement from turning deadly?
In today’s America, where hashtags can mobilize millions and outrage is often rewarded, the stakes of every word feel higher than ever. Fetterman is one of the few calling for a return to measured discourse, even if it means pushing back on his own allies.
As he put it: “This isn’t about politics—it’s about the kind of country we want to be.”