WASHINGTON: Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has sparked fresh political debate after sharply criticising US Senator John Fetterman over his strong support for Israel, following the Pennsylvania Democrat’s widely discussed interview with comedian and political commentator Jon Stewart.
Ruffalo took to X (formerly Twitter) to argue that Fetterman’s stance on Israel raises questions about his priorities as an elected US official.
“Here’s the problem. When you put another country above the USA, when you are in the US government, no matter what you say, you aren’t working for the American people,” Ruffalo wrote.
The actor went further, saying: “Go be a lobbyist. Register as a lobbyist for a foreign government and make your living that way, but don’t take a paycheck from the US taxpayer. Get out of representing the people of the USA.”
Jon Stewart challenges Fetterman
Ruffalo’s comments came shortly after Fetterman’s appearance on The Weekly Show, where Jon Stewart questioned the senator’s unwavering support for Israel.
During the interview, Stewart asked whether Israel had become Fetterman’s “red line” for remaining aligned with the Democratic Party.
“So, for you, you could agree with them 90%, but Israel is the red line,” Stewart asked.
Fetterman replied: “Absolutely. I can’t ever turn my back to Israel after where it’s at.”
Stewart challenged that position, arguing that US policymakers should prioritise American interests.
“But that is not our country,” Stewart responded.
Here’s the problem. When you put another country above the USA, when you are in the US government, no matter what you say, you aren’t working for the American people. Go be a lobbyist. Register as a lobbyist for a foreign government and make your living that way, but don’t take a… https://t.co/S0AWasmhcJ
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 5, 2026
He added that disagreements over a single foreign policy issue should not outweigh the many domestic issues facing Americans.
“I’m assuming there are probably things in the Democratic platform that you disagree with, but you don’t disavow the entire thing,” Stewart said.
“You’re literally saying, ‘We can all have discussions — except when it comes to Israel.’ Which is not America.”
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Debate gains momentum online
Ruffalo’s intervention quickly intensified the online debate, with social media users expressing sharply divided opinions over Fetterman’s foreign policy views and the broader role of US politicians in shaping relations with Israel.
The exchange has become one of the week’s most widely discussed political controversies, reigniting debate over party loyalty, US foreign policy and the balance between domestic priorities and international alliances.
