Trump urges John Fetterman to switch parties: ‘I’d love to see him as a Republican’
Comments were among the most direct overtures by Trump to woo Democratic senator into his Republican party Donald Trump on Saturday openly encouraged Democratic US senator John Fetterman to switch parties and become a Republican just weeks before the federal midterm elections could reshape control of Congress. “I’d love to see him as a Republican,” the presidents told reporters at Joint Base…
On Saturday, President Donald Trump publicly urged Democratic US Senator John Fetterman to change parties and join the Republican side, just weeks before the federal midterm elections which could alter control of Congress. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews after returning from a rally in Tennessee, Trump expressed his belief that Fetterman performs better as a Republican than a Democrat.
This was one of the most direct efforts by Trump to entice Fetterman into his party, a matter of increasing significance as the GOP risks losing its Senate majority in November's midterms. Fetterman, known for his relatability, first won a Senate seat in 2022. However, he has since drifted away from his Democratic party, opposing them on issues like immigration and Israel, which has led to speculation about a possible party switch.
Despite repeatedly rejecting the idea of becoming a Republican, Fetterman has criticized the extreme elements in his party, suggesting he would be a "terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats". His relationship with fellow Democrats has weakened since he recorded a video for the Republican midterm convention in September, praising fellow Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick while denouncing party extremism and socialism.
Also in September, Fetterman inadvertently described himself as a "lifelong Republican" during a Texas Tribune festival. Such comments could make it challenging for Fetterman to secure the Democratic nomination for another Senate term. Trump used this opportunity to push the idea of a switch, but Democrats need to gain four seats to regain Senate control, a task that remains difficult, especially considering Trump's unpopularity and economic issues arising from the Iran war.
Even if Democrats manage to secure the four seats, making it a 51-seat majority, Fetterman might be less inclined to switch parties, given his influential position in the Senate. The last senator to change parties and impact control of the chamber was Jim Jeffords from Vermont, who left the GOP in 2001 to give Democrats a slim majority.
Similarly, Arlen Specter's decision to abandon Republicans in 2009 helped Democrats achieve a supermajority.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
