Democrat Senator John Fetterman has announced that he is enthusiastically supporting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s top Cabinet picks.
After dividing his party over the war between Israel and Hamas over his devout defense of Israel, the first-term lawmaker from Pennsylvania has carved out a unique position on the fringes of his party’s right-wing line.
So it’s fitting that he’s one of the first Democratic senators to meet with one of Trump’s Cabinet picks, as most on the left hold their fire as Republican lawmakers discuss one meeting after another.
After speaking Wednesday with Trump’s pick to lead the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik, the 55-year-old former mayor of the Steel City, gave the New York state native a glowing review, but he almost said yes. he will vote for her.
“It was always a difficult yes for Elise Stefanik, but it was a pleasure to have a conversation,” he wrote on X after their meeting.
“I support defunding UNRWA due to its documented Hamas infiltration and eagerly look forward to it holding the UN accountable for its endemic anti-Semitism and blatant anti-Israel positions,” his post continued.
The image shows Fetterman, 6 feet tall, with his classic Carhartt sweatshirt towering over Stefanik, who is wearing a plaid blazer.
The pair can be seen smiling into the camera as they each give two thumbs up, indicating that the Republican House Conference chairman and the Democratic senator were getting along like fast friends.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is one of the first Democrats to meet with one of Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Above he is shown with Ambassador to the UN Nominated Representative Elise Stefanik
U.S. President Joe Biden is greeted by Senator John Fetterman upon arrival at Pittsburgh International Airport in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 26, 2024
The Democrat is seen as more moderate than many other liberal lawmakers
Stefanik was also excited about their meeting
“Thank you to Senator Fetterman for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating anti-Semitism,” the 40-year-old mother wrote on X.
“Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas for implementing President Trump’s America First peace through a strong national security agenda.”
The pair share a common support for Israel, which has been evident over the past year.
Stefanik rose in popularity a year ago for her viral arrests of former Harvard University President Claudine Gay and former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill for their defense of campus anti-Semitic protests during a Congressional hearing .
The two later resigned, as did former Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.
Fetterman, on the other hand, has been by far the most outspoken Democrat defending Israel’s actions in its war against Hamas.
His unqualified support even earned him a terrifying encounter when pro-Palestinian activists protested at his home.
A source familiar with the content of their discussion revealed to DailyMail.com that a central focus of their meeting was discussing their shared commitment to Israel and combating anti-Semitism.
Both Harvard graduates, they also reflected on their alma mater, which had become the object of ire among pro-Israel advocates since the war broke out.
In addition to Stefanik, Fetterman will also meet with Trump’s choice of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, in the presence of one of his Democratic colleagues.
US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth walks through Capitol Hill in Washington, USA, December 12, 2024
Hegseth and Fetterman were scheduled to meet Thursday
When pressed by CNN about their upcoming conversation, Fetterman indicated he was looking forward to it.
“I never heard of him before he was nominated. So it’s an opportunity to just have a discussion.”
“And I suspect there are some things we can agree on, militarily, whether it’s China or Israel. Maybe we don’t agree on something about Ukraine, but I think it’s an opportunity to have a conversation.”
He noted that it should not be controversial for lawmakers to meet with nominees from across the aisle.
“He’s the person who could potentially be the next secretary of defense,” he said, adding, “I’m just doing my job.”
Biden and Fetterman take a selfie in Pittsburgh earlier this year
The former Fox News host has had a tumultuous nomination process, with his candidacy clouded by multiple allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct against him that emerged during the process.
When CNN asked Fetterman if he would be open to supporting Hegseth, the Democrat did not confirm or deny.
“How open I am to a conversation,” he said. “That’s where I am.”
“There’s still a lot that needs to happen before all of that… the FBI vetting and the hearings and all that stuff.”