Fetterman-Trump friendship raises eyebrows over senator's motivation

The saying that politics makes strange bedfellows is playing out in real time.

One is a Republican poised to take over the presidency next week; the other is a Democratic senator from Pennsylvania.

The relationship that has emerged between President-elect Donald Trump and Senator John Fetterman (Democrat of Pennsylvania) has people wondering what exactly is going on, The Hill reported.

Since the Nov. 5 election, Fetterman has met with Trump while criticizing fellow Democrats on some issues.

“I wouldn’t rule out 100% that there is maybe or slightly some consideration of different or future opportunities,” said Eddie Vale, a longtime Democratic strategist.

Others simply don’t know why Fetterman took these positions.

“We cannot say with certainty what Fetterman’s motivations are. I do political analysis, not psychoanalysis,” said Norman Solomon, a progressive strategist and founder of the activist network RootsAction. “But it’s clear he’s moved to the right.”

There has been speculation about whether Fetterman could play a role in the Trump administration — especially since the two met at Mar-a-Lago.

After the meeting, Trump called Fetterman a “fascinating man.”

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said his meeting with Trump at Mar-A-Lago went well.

Reporter: “How did your meeting with Trump go this weekend? »

Fetterman: “It was a positive experience. I was happy to do it.

“I appreciate the opportunity and it was a good conversation.”… pic.twitter.com/fDIyKYlipU

– End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) January 16, 2025

One political strategist said this could all be a planned move by Trump aimed at having a Democratic ally on Capitol Hill.

“If you’re willing to put country first, I’m willing to work with you,” Ford O’Connell said of Trump’s thinking. “That’s what he’s projecting.”

According to a Trump transition official, the two spoke about Israel, the U.S.-Mexico border and the future of steel production.

“He is a person of common sense. He’s neither liberal nor conservative,” Trump said of Fetterman, who was able to adapt to any situation.

“He’s accurately read the room and knows there’s a new sheriff in town,” said Christopher Nicholas, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant and editor of the PA Political Digest newsletter, Nicholas. “He’s very good at shocking people, then retaliating when they seem shocked. This is his modus operandi.

But the motive behind what Fetterman is doing may not be as complicated as one might think.

“(The) simplest answer is just what he says,” Vale said.

“He’s a senator from a 50/50 state who voted for Trump twice, so he’s trying to have a foot in both worlds,” he said.