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Several Democrats appear to be shifting away from their party’s persistent anti-Trump stance, with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman leading the charge by encouraging fellow party members to moderate their opposition.
During a recent appearance on ABC’s “This Week” with Jonathan Karl, Fetterman demonstrated a willingness to work with Trump’s administration, revealing that he had already met with several Cabinet nominees, including Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.
I swear, Fetterman stroked out and came back as a reasonable human being. I’m already starting to care less about his wardrobe choices. pic.twitter.com/cGKlz676Hb
— Jayinwashington (@JayinWashington) December 22, 2024
“I have met with all of them so far,” Fetterman said. “And the ones that we haven’t, they’re on the schedule back in January.”
When questioned about Hegseth’s qualifications, Fetterman maintained an open mind, acknowledging that while Trump’s picks wouldn’t be his personal choices, they deserve consideration. “The president picked these people,” he explained. “Not gonna be my first choice, second choice, third choice, but that’s democracy.”
The senator expressed concern about potential Democratic opposition to the Defense Secretary nominee, stating, “And, to me, it would be distressing if he is confirmed, if the Democrats are gonna turn our back collectively to the leader of Defense. That’s astonishing, and that’s dangerous.”
His meeting with FBI Director nominee Patel proved particularly productive, with both men discussing their families’ immigration experiences. Reflecting on these interactions, Fetterman stated, “I have learned things, and I have heard things, and I have no regrets.”
Throughout the interview, Fetterman consistently urged Democrats to temper their opposition to Trump. “I’ve been warning people, like, ‘You gotta chill out,'” he said, addressing the intense anti-Trump sentiment that has characterized his party since 2016.
FETTERMAN: “I’m not rooting against [Trump] because if you're rooting against the President, you are rooting against the nation.”pic.twitter.com/pnmGvWOR0y
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) December 22, 2024
The senator’s stance may reflect political realities in Pennsylvania, where Trump secured a victory margin exceeding 120,000 votes in the 2024 election. Fetterman acknowledged Trump’s strong support in rural Pennsylvania counties, noting, “The support’s astonishing.”
While some might view Fetterman’s position as politically calculated, it also aligns with proper representation of constituent interests. His approach suggests a growing faction within the Democratic Party that seeks to move beyond reflexive opposition to Trump’s initiatives.
This shift in attitude could potentially lead to unexpected Democratic support for even Trump’s more controversial nominees, marking a significant departure from the party’s previous unified resistance.
