Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania made headlines recently when he declared himself “not woke” during an interview about squatters’ rights. Fetterman, known for his casual attire and openness about his depression treatment, expressed strong views against squatters, emphasizing that they have no rights and are simply breaking the law.
Reflecting on his experience as the former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, Fetterman highlighted the challenges faced by property owners in dealing with squatters.
Senator John Fetterman (Credits: Brittanica)
He criticized the notion that individuals who break into homes and stay for a certain period could gain rights, comparing it to the absurdity of someone stealing a car and claiming ownership after holding it for 30 days.
Fetterman, who defeated Republican Mehmet Oz in the 2022 Senate race, also spoke out against soft-on-crime policies in the wake of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s death during a traffic stop. Diller’s accused killer had a criminal record, prompting Fetterman to advocate for harsh punishment for such offenders.
John Fetterman (Credits: Reuters)
While Fetterman has faced criticism for his shifting positions, including the resignation of some of his communication staffers as he moves toward the center on certain issues, he clarified that he does not identify as a progressive. He described himself as a Democrat committed to issues like choice and immigration while affirming his stance on supporting Israel.