Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman expressed concerns about increasing socialist and communist influences within the Democratic Party. Speaking to Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the Israel on Campus Coalition conference, he emphasized that figures like socialist streamer Hasan Piker are steering the party towards a more radical direction.

Fetterman stated, “I would not try to elevate a communist just because [Piker] has followers on Twitch. If you identify with someone who praises Mao and Cuba, that should concern any Democrat. It’s having an impact.” Piker, a notable voice on the Democratic left, supports left-wing candidates like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while criticizing the U.S. for its stance on Cuba.

Fetterman spoke at the Israel on Campus Coalition’s National Leadership Summit, highlighting the troubling direction of his party. He mentioned recent primaries as a test of Democratic alignment with progressive values.

Fetterman shared his views on the primary results, noting victories by Democratic establishment figures, such as Rep. Wesley Bell over DSA-backed Cori Bush in Missouri. However, the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan was still undecided, pitting socialist-supported Abdul El-Sayed against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens.

The senator criticized radical shifts and anti-Israel sentiments, mentioning Gov. Newsom’s comparison of Israel to an apartheid state. Fetterman stressed the importance of not catering to fringe beliefs: “The party shouldn’t pander to those kinds of people.”

President Donald Trump mirrored Fetterman’s concerns and cautioned against the Democratic Party’s lean toward socialism. Trump declared the current trend as the most serious threat to the country since its founding.

Moreover, Fetterman commented on the Democratic Party’s pressure on pro-Israel Democrats to qualify their support, criticizing the negative use of “Zionist.” He mentioned that “being proud of supporting Israel has become a negative label.”

On foreign policy, Fetterman discussed Iran, supporting actions by the Trump administration to prevent nuclear proliferation. He mentioned, “I supported the strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. It’s reasonable if they aim to build a nuclear bomb.” He stands apart from other Senate Democrats on this issue.

Ashley J. DiMella reports for Fox News Digital on politics.