On Thursday morning, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) grew to become the primary Senate Democrat to fulfill with Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Protection.
Talking with CNN’s Manu Raju, Fetterman defended his determination to fulfill with Hegseth, emphasizing the significance of open dialogue and a willingness to work throughout get together traces.
When questioned concerning the allegations in opposition to Hegseth, Fetterman emphasised the significance of due course of, noting that there haven’t been any formal prison prices.
“I do know there hasn’t been any formal prices, criminal-wise,” Fetterman stated. “It’s all one of many issues that I’m positive may come up on the dialog right now, however I’m conscious there are some allegations after all.”
Fetterman stopped in need of explicitly stating whether or not he would vote to verify Hegseth however left the door extensive open, saying he’s open to the dialog presently, in line with CNN.
The Pennsylvania senator admitted he was unfamiliar with Hegseth earlier than his nomination however stated the assembly could be a chance to debate key points like navy technique and overseas coverage.
“Actually, I’d by no means heard of him earlier than he was nominated. So it’s a chance to only have a dialogue on … points. I believe there are some issues we’d agree on when it comes to navy, whether or not its China or Israel, and possibly disagree, maybe on Ukraine,” Fetterman stated. “However I feel it’s a chance to have a dialog.”
“I’m unsure why it’d be controversial to anyone if he’s the person who might doubtlessly be the subsequent secretary of protection. I’m not only a senator for Pennsylvania, for my voters or Democrats, it’s for all of us.
“That’s why I’ve determined to interact with people who find themselves going to be extremely vital components of the brand new administration,” he stated, including, “These people can vent or rant on Twitter however I’m right here to have conversations, and I feel I’m simply doing my job.”
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Pete Hegseth expressed his gratitude to Fetterman on X following their assembly.
“Thanks John Fetterman to your equity, braveness & hospitality. I respect our time collectively — and your dedication to the troops, American protection & our ally Israel. And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers.”
Thanks @JohnFetterman to your equity, braveness & hospitality. I respect our time collectively — and your dedication to the troops, American protection & our ally Israel.
And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers. pic.twitter.com/a1evshskbL
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 12, 2024
The senator’s bipartisan strategy prolonged past Hegseth. Fetterman has additionally voiced assist for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who was nominated as U.N. Ambassador.
“Thanks to Sen. Fetterman for internet hosting a really productive assembly the place we mentioned our shared dedication to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism. Senator Fetterman shared his concepts for sturdy nationwide safety management and I highlighted my concepts on implementing President
Donald Trump’s America First peace by way of power nationwide safety agenda,” Rep. Stefanik wrote.
Thanks to @SenFettermanPA for internet hosting a really productive assembly the place we mentioned our shared dedication to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism. Senator Fetterman shared his concepts for sturdy nationwide safety management and I highlighted my concepts on implementing… pic.twitter.com/ls8dIZtTuZ
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) December 11, 2024
After assembly with Stefanik, Fetterman says he was “at all times a tough YES” on her affirmation.
At all times was a tough YES for @EliseStefanik nevertheless it was a pleasure to have a dialog.
I assist defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and absolutely stay up for her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views. https://t.co/DvyYIYCd0h
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 11, 2024