Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is responding to criticism after he was seen shaking hands with President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address, saying that if people are upset about it, “that’s on them.”

As Breitbart reported, Fetterman addressed the controversy during an appearance on CNN’s The Arena with Kasie Hunt.

Hunt asked the Pennsylvania senator why he believed it was “important to shake President Trump’s hand” as the president entered the chamber.

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Fetterman said the gesture was about acknowledging the office.

“We have to find a way if we can be in the same room, we can disagree on these things,” Fetterman said. “You don’t have to sign off on everything. You don’t have to agree with everything.”

He added that while disagreements are expected, certain actions are rooted in “basic respect and courtesy,” noting that President Trump is the president.

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Fetterman further explained that if he hears something during a speech that he supports, he will respond accordingly.

“If someone’s angry that I shook the President’s hand as he walked in, I think that’s on them,” Fetterman said.

Joh Fetterman, like a true traitor, waited to be the last person to shake Trump’s hand before the president mounted the stage. What a rat !!!!!

Meanwhile many Democrats boycotted#stateofunion #SOTU2026 pic.twitter.com/DoshJDYopS — Mel (@Melaniesportal) February 25, 2026

He also pointed to what he described as inconsistent criticism, noting that some of those now upset over the handshake “didn’t really have a problem” when New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the White House.

“If we refuse to talk to the other side, I mean, that’s the only one that really loses: that’s America,” he added.

"If someone's angry that I shook the president's hand as he walked in, that's... on them," @SenFetterman tells @kasie after President Trump's address last night, adding that "the State of the Union can't turn into, like, the Springer Show." pic.twitter.com/vPHWR5q8Nz

— The Arena on CNN (@TheArenaCNN) February 25, 2026

The reaction online was swift following the State of the Union, with some social media users criticizing the Democrat senator for the interaction with President Trump.

“Fetterman wears a suit and tie for Trump,” one user wrote in a post on X. “I hate him. We need to get him out.”

Fetterman wears a suit and tie for Trump.

I hate him. We need to get him out. pic.twitter.com/g3CWMTR6x5 — Winter (@LeftyWinter) February 25, 2026

“Sell out,” another person wrote.

Sell out. https://t.co/jnK92LRSTI

— Rob Rozen (@RRozen1) February 25, 2026

“@JohnFetterman so you can wear a suit and tie,” another user commented, referencing Fetterman’s attire during the address. “Just say you’re a Republican already.”

@JohnFetterman so you can wear a suit and tie. Just say you’re a Republican already. https://t.co/ICRHKzWr9X

— Adam Grant (@fantasyreader21) February 25, 2026

The criticism came after a video circulated showing Fetterman greeting President Trump as he entered the House chamber ahead of the speech.

While some Democrats remained seated or withheld applause during portions of the address, Fetterman’s handshake drew attention from those who opposed any public display of civility toward the president.

Fetterman has previously said he is willing to engage with lawmakers across party lines, even when he strongly disagrees with them on policy.

During the CNN interview, he emphasized that acknowledging the president does not equate to endorsing every position.

The exchange at the State of the Union highlighted ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over how to approach President Trump during his current term.

Some members have taken a confrontational stance, while others, including Fetterman, have signaled a willingness to engage when possible.

Fetterman’s comments on CNN reflected that approach, framing the handshake as a matter of decorum rather than political alignment. He reiterated that disagreement does not require a complete refusal to interact.

The episode has fueled debate over how elected officials should conduct themselves during nationally televised events such as the State of the Union, particularly in an era of heightened partisan tensions.

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