John Fetterman
A Modern-Day Quisling in the Fight for Democracy
History’s Harshest Judgment: The Perils of Betrayal from Within
History warns us of the dangers of betrayal from within. In every era where democracy has been under siege, there have been those who, willingly or not, have played a role in aiding authoritarian takeovers. Senator John Fetterman’s recent votes to confirm key Trump cabinet members have placed him in a position disturbingly similar to that of a quisling—a term synonymous with treasonous collaboration with authoritarian forces.
What Is a Quisling?
The term quisling originates from Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician who, during World War II, collaborated with Nazi Germany to facilitate their occupation of Norway. Rather than resist the fascist invaders, Quisling actively aided them, ensuring their control over his country while presenting himself as a legitimate leader. His name became a byword for betrayal—used to describe those who, instead of defending democracy, align themselves with authoritarian forces for personal gain or misguided pragmatism.
How Fetterman’s Actions Resemble Those of a Quisling
By voting to confirm Trump’s hand-picked extremists—figures like Marco Rubio, Elise Stefanik, and Pam Bondi—Fetterman is doing precisely what quislings have done throughout history: granting legitimacy to an authoritarian movement while weakening democratic resistance.
Legitimizing an anti-democratic regime – Just as Quisling helped normalize Nazi control over Norway by acting as a “reasonable” intermediary, Fetterman is giving credibility to a Trump administration that has made clear its intent to erode democratic institutions.
Weakening opposition from within – Quislings are most dangerous because they come from the side expected to resist. As a Democratic senator, Fetterman’s actions fracture the party’s ability to present a unified front against Trump’s authoritarian ambitions.
Aiding in the consolidation of power – Quisling’s collaboration helped Nazis solidify control over Norway’s government, just as Fetterman’s votes are helping Trump install loyalists who will dismantle checks and balances on his rule.
The Danger of Normalizing Betrayal
A quisling does not have to wear the uniform of the enemy—they only need to help pave the way for its victory. In a time when democracy is under direct assault, Fetterman’s actions send a dangerous signal: that even those elected under the banner of resistance can be swayed into cooperation.
But history has shown us time and again that quislings do not merely betray their allies—they also become complicit in the destruction they enable. When institutions crumble and democracy collapses, those who aided the process will not be remembered as pragmatic dealmakers, but as accomplices in history’s gravest crimes.
We have seen this before. The Vichy government in France, which surrendered its own people to Nazi rule. The Stalinist turncoats who purged their own comrades to curry favor with a dictator. The Republican politicians who, during Reconstruction, abandoned the fight for racial justice and allowed white supremacist rule to retake the South. Each instance serves as a grim reminder that when the forces of authoritarianism rise, their greatest asset is not the strength of their own ideology, but the weakness of those who should oppose them.
Holding Fetterman—and All Enablers—Accountable
History is unforgiving to those who betray democratic principles. The question now is whether Fetterman will continue down this path of enabling authoritarianism—or whether those who still believe in democracy will hold him accountable before it is too late.
The moment demands more than hand-wringing; it demands political reckoning. Will the Democratic Party denounce and isolate those who give aid and comfort to authoritarian rule? Will voters remember Fetterman’s actions when he next seeks their support? Will the media hold him to the same standard it applies to those who openly embrace authoritarianism?
If democracy is to survive, it cannot afford to tolerate its own Quislings.
Excellent summation of fetteman.