Fetterman says Trump Iran comment was clipped to make it seem like he does not care about Americans

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman indirectly accused the media Wednesday night of inaccurately clipping President Donald Trump's comment on Iran's nuclear capabilities versus concerns regarding its impact on the American economy.

The senator defended the president's comments during an appearance on Fox News' Hannity, clarifying that Trump was more focused on keeping Americans safe by refusing to let Iran get nuclear weapons than how much the conflict was costing taxpayers. 

“He said something that got clipped … saying, ‘I’m not thinking about [the] American people financially,’ but what he really was saying — he did say, is, ‘I’m really thinking that we can’t ever let Iran [build] a bomb,’” Fetterman said. “That’s the essence of what that is, and to hold that line. I mean, how could we just walk away and … let that happen?”

Trump had told reporters before he departed for China on Tuesday that the financial situation of Americans does not motivate him in reaching an end to the conflict and his sole focus is keeping Iran from nuclear capabilities.

“Not even a little bit. The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon," he said. "I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all. That’s the only thing that motivates me.”

Fetterman is known to be one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, siding with Republicans on votes related to Iran, border security and the construction of the White House ballroom. But he has declined to switch parties and primarily votes Democrat.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.