The radical Left can’t believe anyone from their side would want to work with Donald Trump. It’s a foreign concept to them.
And Democrats are sick to their stomachs after this Leftist senator vows to help Trump.
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) didn’t hold back in calling out his Democratic colleagues who have staunchly resisted engaging with and supporting President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees.
On Thursday, Fetterman broke ranks by meeting with Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has faced allegations of s*xual assault and alcoholism, making his nomination one of the more contentious within Trump’s incoming administration. Fetterman’s decision to meet with Hegseth marks him as the first Senate Democrat to do so.
Many Democrats remain fiercely opposed to Hegseth’s nomination, as well as others like Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services secretary. While Democrats lack the numbers to block Trump’s picks outright, they aim to apply enough pressure to sway centrist Republicans in the Senate.
Fetterman, however, believes refusing to engage with the nominees is counterproductive.
“Those individuals can vent or rant on Twitter, but I’m here to have conversations, and I think I’m just doing my job,” he told CNN’s Manu Raju ahead of his meeting with Hegseth.
He pushed back against the idea that his decision to meet with the defense secretary nominee should spark controversy. “I’m not sure why it would be controversial to anybody [to meet with Hegseth],” he added.
New — John Fetterman on his meeting with Pete Hegseth today. He’ll be the first Senate Dem to meet with him. Says he expects misconduct allegations to come up. Doesn’t rule out backing him. And pushes back on calls from left to be more vocal in opposition to Trump picks pic.twitter.com/plAgZSKAR1
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 12, 2024
Fetterman’s willingness to open a dialogue with Hegseth is expected to trigger backlash from progressive factions of the Democratic Party, many of whom remain vehemently opposed to the former television host’s nomination.
The Pennsylvania senator explained that Trump’s success in his state factored into his approach.
“Trump carried Pennsylvania, and he’s gonna be the next president, and it’s all part of the conversation. That’s why I’ve decided to engage with people who are going to be incredibly important parts of the new administration,” Fetterman said.
Hegseth, for his part, appeared to appreciate the outreach. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he described the encounter positively.
“It was a wonderful meeting,” Hegseth said. “He’s thoughtful. He’s independent-minded. Defense, as I’ve said, is not political. National security is important for Democrats and Republicans. A great conversation with the senator.”
Hegseth faces significant hurdles in securing Senate confirmation, given the controversies surrounding his nomination. However, Fetterman’s openness to dialogue could shift the dynamic in his favor.
If Fetterman were to vote for Hegseth, it could ease the path to his confirmation as defense secretary.
With a 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate, the confirmation process could hinge on centrist lawmakers from both parties. GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have been known to break with their party on key votes, adding further unpredictability to the outcome.
Fetterman’s approach has sparked conversation on Capitol Hill, highlighting the divide within the Democratic Party on how to handle Trump’s Cabinet nominees.
Whether his strategy will influence others remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
