HARRISBURG, Pa. — When John Fetterman, a Democrat, secured his seat in the U.S. Senate for Pennsylvania, many of his supporters anticipated that he would push against traditional boundaries and the established order. However, his actions have diverged from these expectations in unforeseen ways.
Fetterman has found himself at odds with his party on several policy issues and has developed an unexpected rapport with former President Donald Trump, a figure whom he previously criticized as a “felon” driven by “revenge” during the 2024 campaign. He recently made headlines as the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump after the election, a move that has caught many off-guard.
Among those reacting to Fetterman’s actions is Christine Jacobs, the founder of Represent PA, aimed at supporting Democratic women in the state’s legislature. Jacobs noted that many Democrats she has spoken to are feeling both disheartened and apprehensive regarding Fetterman’s connection with Trump. They fear that such interactions could lead to a perception that Fetterman is being exploited for political gains, without any substantial change resulting from it.
Fetterman’s willingness to collaborate with Trump has drawn comparisons to former Democratic Senators Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, both of whom faced backlash from their party during President Biden’s administration. Unlike when he was critical of Manchin during his own Senate run in 2022, Fetterman is now faced with the realities of a party struggling with recent electoral losses in battleground states.
“I haven’t changed my core values throughout all this,” Fetterman asserted in a recent interview. He believes that engaging with Republicans is central to why his constituents elected him.
Fetterman’s entrance into the Senate has been tumultuous, initiating with health challenges including auditory processing disorder due to a stroke, followed by a hospitalization for depression shortly after taking office. However, he emerged with a new spirit, exchanging formal attire for his characteristic hoodies and shorts. His tenacity has proven evident in moments like his public criticism of then-Senator Bob Menendez for remaining in office despite facing bribery allegations.
In the wake of violent conflict involving Hamas and Israel, Fetterman stood firm in his support for Israel at a time when opinions were sharply divided among his fellow Democrats. Recently, he became notable as the only Senate Democrat to meet directly with Trump, traveling to Mar-a-Lago for a supposed productive conversation that lasted over an hour. Fetterman expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes, stating, “I can only see good things emerging from that.”
Trump himself characterized their encounter as “totally fascinating” and praised Fetterman as a “commonsense person” who does not fit strictly into the liberal or conservative mold. Some Democratic allies view Fetterman’s actions as clever political maneuvers in a shifting political landscape, acknowledging Pennsylvania’s current Republican leanings after Trump’s successes in past elections and recent Democratic losses.
“He’s in a red state,” said Philadelphia-based Democratic strategist Mustafa Rashed. “Of course, he’s got to go meet with him.” Fetterman, positioned among the ten Senate Democrats representing states that Trump won, has also distinguished himself by meeting with several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees and showing a willingness to endorse certain policies, positioning himself as potentially more receptive than fellow Democrats.
Notably, he even considered Trump’s controversial suggestion to purchase Greenland, dubbing it a “responsible conversation.” He has also co-sponsored a GOP-backed bill aimed at detaining undocumented immigrants charged with specific crimes. Fetterman’s comments on Fox News suggested that failure to collaborate on legislation could be an explanation for losses in future elections.
Republican senators have held up Fetterman as a model for bipartisanship, with Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama praising his efforts to engage with Trump and his administration as an act of inclusion and focus on sound policy rather than strict partisanship.
While critics from the left express disapproval regarding Fetterman’s alliances with Trump, many acknowledge that this unpredictability is a core aspect of his political identity. Jamie Perrapato, the executive director of Turn PA Blue, remarked that this behavior should not surprise anyone who has followed Fetterman’s political journey, as he has charted his own course separate from party expectations.
Fetterman’s shift has sparked speculation about a potential change in his party affiliation, though he has stated his intention to remain a Democrat. Meeting Trump’s nominees and aligning with certain policies reflects his commitment to representing the varied landscape of Pennsylvania. Despite this, Fetterman continues to advocate for key Democratic priorities such as labor unions, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ issues.
His closeness with significant Pennsylvania Democrats, including Senator Bob Casey, indicates his ongoing commitment to core Democratic principles. Historical ties include his enthusiastic campaigning for Kamala Harris before her presidential bid, suggesting he remains invested in Democratic engagements despite his newfound political maneuverings.