President-elect Donald Trump expresses high praise for Senator John Fetterman after meeting with him at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend.
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“Trump referred to a person with good common sense. He said he's not liberal or conservative, but rather someone who thinks for himself, and that's genuinely wonderful."
Fetterman cracked to reporters that he accepted Trump's invitation to meet because he wanted to become "Pope of Greenland," a nod to Trump's interest in absorbing the Danish territory.
Chosen in 2022 as a vocal supporter of progressive views, Fetterman has shifted his stance towards the center since overcoming a severe stroke he had during his campaign.
Fetterman defused criticism over his decision to meet with the president, indicating a desire to collaborate with the incoming president.
CBS News.
He and Trump discussed acquiring Greenland, using tariffs to boost U.S. Steel, supporting Israel, and securing the southern border. Nippon Steel's attempt to buy U.S. Steel for $15 billion fell apart when President Joe Biden blocked the deal earlier this month. Trump and Fetterman both opposed the deal for national security concerns and because of worries about blue-collar jobs.
The President also celebrated the extremely one-sided Senate vote last week that moved forward the Laken Riley Act, a bill that would enable federal authorities to hold indefinitely in custody people who illegally enter the country and are charged with theft until those individuals can be deported.
“It's been remarkable, and there's been a lot of unity among Republicans and many of the Democrats. I'll say that Senator Fetterman made a very good impression on me, a really good impression,” Trump said.
Fetterman was the very first Democratic Senator to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago after Trump’s overwhelming election win in November. Trump came out on top in Pennsylvania and all the other battleground states, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and winning back the presidency and Senate majority for the Republicans.
Trump's perception of Fetterman changed when he unwaveringly supported Israel following Hamas's massive civilian attack on October 7, 2023. Fetterman has angered progressive members of his party by unapologetically backing Israel's ongoing military actions and highlighting the hostages being held by Hamas.
"He was truly impressive, and I'm glad I got to talk to him. And he really loves Pennsylvania, and is very fond of our country," Trump said.
Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, defeated three-term incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, turning a crucial Senate seat in favor of the GOP. Before meeting Trump, Fetterman and McCormick got together along with their wives, describing it as a positive meeting.
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