John Fetterman Sends His Fellow Democrats a Reality Check After Meeting with Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel
The Democratic Party has often been characterized by its staunch opposition to President-elect Donald Trump. However, recent signs suggest that some Democrats may be tiring of their party’s intense focus on Trump.
In a Sunday interview on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania encouraged his colleagues to “chill out” and expressed “no regrets” about meeting with Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.
“I have met with all of them so far,” Fetterman stated. “And the ones that we haven’t, they’re on the schedule back in January.” When Karl asked whether he considered Hegseth qualified, Fetterman responded, “We’re gonna learn more.”
Fetterman’s broader comments suggested he might not reflexively oppose Trump’s nominees. “The president picked these people,” he remarked. “Not gonna be my first choice, second choice, third choice, but that’s democracy. 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.”
After meeting with Patel, Fetterman emphasized the value of dialogue, recounting a conversation about their families’ immigration stories. “I have learned things, and I have heard things, and I have no regrets,” he said.
Throughout the interview, Fetterman struck a tone of pragmatism and bipartisanship. “I’ve been warning people, like, ‘You gotta chill out,’” he said, referring to what he described as “Trump Derangement Syndrome” among some Democrats. He also expressed respect for Trump, calling him a “singular political talent.”
Observers might interpret Fetterman’s remarks in different ways. Some might view them as a strategic pivot in light of Trump’s strong support in Pennsylvania. Trump’s 2024 victory in the state, by over 120,000 votes, underscores the political influence of his base in key counties. For a senator from Pennsylvania, aligning with Trump’s agenda—or at least avoiding outright opposition—could be a pragmatic move.
Others might argue that Fetterman’s approach reflects a broader effort to bridge divides. Senators, after all, are expected to represent their constituents’ views, and for Fetterman, listening to voters may align with his willingness to consider Trump’s Cabinet picks thoughtfully.
Fetterman’s stance also highlights a growing fatigue among some Democrats with the hyper-partisan rhetoric surrounding Trump. While principled opposition remains, there seems to be a recognition that reflexive hostility serves little purpose.
This shift could have implications for Trump’s Cabinet nominations. Even his most controversial picks might gain unexpected support from Democrats who, like Fetterman, are open to evaluating candidates on their merits rather than party lines.