Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman has addressed the increasing speculation in Washington, D.C., and online regarding a potential shift in his party affiliation to the Republican Party. He firmly stated, “That’s not going to happen,” during an interview with Semafor on Monday.
Fetterman dismissed the notion as “amateur hour s**t,” clarifying that any comparisons to Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who transitioned from the Democratic Party to become Independents while still caucusing with Democrats, are unfounded. “It’s not gonna happen,” he reiterated, emphasizing that even if he were inclined to make such a change, it would be a misguided decision, asserting, “I would make a pretty bad Republican.”
His recent activities, including a visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with former President Donald Trump, collaboration with Republicans on the Laken Riley Act, and his outspoken support for the Israeli government, have generated considerable attention. Fetterman is actively seeking to influence his party’s stance towards Trump, urging Democrats to maintain composure regarding the president’s contentious actions and to remain receptive to confirming his nominees.
Despite exhibiting a moderate approach, Fetterman has made it clear that this will not lead to a party switch, particularly in his communications with Democratic leaders in Congress, as noted by Semafor. His meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago prior to the latter’s inauguration further raised eyebrows within the Democratic Party, with Trump later describing Fetterman as “a fascinating man” and expressing admiration for his wife.
The discussions during their meeting included critical issues such as the protection of the U.S. steel industry, which is essential for Pennsylvania, and support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Additionally, they touched upon matters concerning the president-elect, according to The Examiner.
He is a person of practical judgment, neither aligning with liberal nor conservative ideologies, Trump remarked regarding the Democrat. Fetterman elaborated on his choice to accept Trump’s invitation to Mar-a-Lago last week, stating, “We are going to have a conversation,” in reference to their upcoming meeting.
“I believe that he is the president, or will be officially soon,” the independent-minded senator told CBS News. “It seems quite reasonable for the president to wish to engage in dialogue or extend an invitation for such a discussion. I do not have a gatekeeper.”
“I have consistently maintained that I engage in discussions with individuals who will influence Pennsylvania and the nation,” he continued. “As a senator, my responsibility extends to all constituents in Pennsylvania, not solely to Democrats.”
While many Democrats ridiculed Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland, Fetterman did not outright reject the notion. “I cannot predict what will arise during our conversation. Regardless of the topics, they will be part of our dialogue,” he conveyed to CBS News.
Later, when reporters inquired about his meeting with the president-elect, he humorously remarked, “I’m hoping to be appointed the pope of Greenland.”
In December, Fetterman attributed the Democratic defeat to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a representative from California.
During an interview with Politico, Fetterman criticized Pelosi when asked if he believed President Joe Biden should have withdrawn from the race following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
“Individuals like [Nancy] Pelosi have attempted to — how should I phrase it? — position themselves as the ‘godmother’ or ‘enforcer.’ Now she is placing blame on Biden,” Fetterman stated candidly, holding Pelosi accountable for her power maneuvers.
“You cannot have it both ways. You achieved what you desired,” he remarked, referring to Biden’s removal and Kamala Harris’s ascension, “and yet you are still…”
