On Thursday morning, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) became the first Senate Democrat to meet with Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.
Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju, Fetterman defended his decision to meet with Hegseth, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and a willingness to work across party lines.
When questioned about the allegations against Hegseth, Fetterman emphasized the importance of due process, noting that there haven’t been any formal criminal charges.
“I know there hasn’t been any formal charges, criminal-wise,” Fetterman said. “It’s all one of the things that I’m sure might come up on the conversation today, but I am aware there are some allegations of course.”
Fetterman stopped short of explicitly stating whether he would vote to confirm Hegseth but left the door wide open, saying he is open to the conversation currently, according to CNN.
The Pennsylvania senator admitted he was unfamiliar with Hegseth before his nomination but said the meeting would be an opportunity to discuss key issues like military strategy and foreign policy.
“Honestly, I’d never heard of him before he was nominated. So it’s an opportunity to just have a discussion on … issues. I suspect there are some things we might agree on in terms of military, whether its China or Israel, and maybe disagree, perhaps on Ukraine,” Fetterman said. “But I think it’s an opportunity to have a conversation.”
“I’m not sure why it’d be controversial to anybody if he’s the individual who could potentially be the next secretary of defense. I’m not just a senator for Pennsylvania, for my voters or Democrats, it’s for all of us.
“That’s why I have decided to engage with people who are going to be incredibly important parts of the new administration,” he said, adding, “Those individuals can vent or rant on Twitter but I’m here to have conversations, and I think I’m just doing my job.”
WATCH:
Pete Hegseth expressed his gratitude to Fetterman on X following their meeting.
“Thank you John Fetterman for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel. And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers.”
Thank you @JohnFetterman for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel.
And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers. pic.twitter.com/a1evshskbL
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 12, 2024
The senator’s bipartisan approach extended beyond Hegseth. Fetterman has also voiced support for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who was nominated as U.N. Ambassador.
“Thank you to Sen. Fetterman for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism. Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing President
Donald Trump’s America First peace through strength national security agenda,” Rep. Stefanik wrote.
Thank you to @SenFettermanPA for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism. Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing… pic.twitter.com/ls8dIZtTuZ
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) December 11, 2024
After meeting with Stefanik, Fetterman says he was “always a hard YES” on her confirmation.
Always was a hard YES for @EliseStefanik but it was a pleasure to have a conversation.
I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views. https://t.co/DvyYIYCd0h
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 11, 2024
