WASHINGTON — In a significant political development, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is set to become the first Democratic senator to meet with President-elect Donald Trump following the recent elections. The meeting will take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
This trip illustrates Fetterman’s transition from a strong supporter of President Joe Biden to a lawmaker who is open to engaging with Trump and the Republican Party, especially after Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania.
Fetterman has recently expressed a surprising level of respect for Trump, praising his political resonance among voters and aligning with some of his policy positions. He has also shown interest in some of Trump’s potential Cabinet nominees.
In a statement released on Thursday, Fetterman confirmed Trump’s invitation for a meeting, which he accepted.
“I’m the Senator for all Pennsylvanians — not just Democrats in Pennsylvania,” Fetterman stated. “I’ve made it clear that no one controls my decisions. I will engage with anyone if it benefits Pennsylvania and the country.”
Fetterman garnered attention during his 2022 election as an unconventional progressive who often criticized fellow Democrats, including Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
Historically, Fetterman has not shied away from taking independent stances within his party, supporting Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential primary and challenging the establishment during the Senate primary that same year. He characterized endorsements from the state Democratic Party in the 2022 primary as an “inside game.”
During a recent appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Fetterman clarified that he remains a Democrat, but believes that meeting with Trump’s nominees and considering Republican viewpoints is essential for effective representation in Pennsylvania.
He criticized the ongoing backlash from some Democrats towards Trump, calling him a “singular political talent” and distancing himself from the term “fascist,” previously used by others to describe Trump.
“That’s not how I would describe him,” Fetterman remarked, emphasizing that he has a strong connection with Trump supporters who do not fit that characterization.
