President Donald Trump referred to Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, as a “great guy” on Saturday and expressed his openness to Fetterman switching to the Republican Party.
After stepping off Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Trump responded to a reporter’s question about whether he had discussed party affiliation with Fetterman, who has occasionally deviated from party lines this congressional session. “I’d love to see it. I think he’s great,” Trump said.
He noted Fetterman’s challenges in securing the Democratic nomination, adding, “It’s going to be hard for him to get the nomination as a Democrat, but I’d love to have him as a Republican.” Trump praised Fetterman’s character and intelligence, mentioning he had previously communicated with his parents.
Trump’s remarks come amid Fetterman’s growing divergence from Democrats on significant issues like the Iran war and immigration, although he consistently votes with his party. Since starting his Senate term in 2023, Fetterman has aligned with Senate Democrats nearly 90% of the time, though this figure has dipped to just below 81% in the current session.
His occasional disagreements with Democratic positions have sparked speculation regarding a potential switch to the Republican Party. Reports also allege Fetterman has utilized Republican fundraising platforms and enjoys a friendship with Senator Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama.
Recently, Fetterman introduced Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, at the Republican Midterm Convention.
In a somewhat confusing moment last month at the Texas Tribune’s TribFest, Fetterman mistakenly called himself a lifelong Republican, only to correct himself later when questioned by an attendee about why he didn’t run as an independent. “Because I’m a lifelong Republican,” he initially stated before backtracking, joking, “I guarantee you that will break through. That will get clipped.”
Fetterman’s office has been contacted for further comments on the matter.
