On Thursday morning, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) turned 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 resolution to fulfill with Hegseth, emphasizing the significance of open dialogue and a willingness to work throughout get together strains.
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 legal fees.
“I do know there hasn’t been any formal fees, criminal-wise,” Fetterman mentioned. “It’s all one of many issues that I’m positive would possibly come up on the dialog as we speak, however I’m conscious there are some allegations after all.”
Fetterman stopped wanting explicitly stating whether or not he would vote to substantiate Hegseth however left the door large open, saying he’s open to the dialog at present, in keeping with CNN.
The Pennsylvania senator admitted he was unfamiliar with Hegseth earlier than his nomination however mentioned the assembly could be a chance to debate key points like army technique and overseas coverage.
“Truthfully, 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 think there are some issues we would agree on when it comes to army, whether or not its China or Israel, and perhaps disagree, maybe on Ukraine,” Fetterman mentioned. “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 may doubtlessly be the following 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 have interaction with people who find themselves going to be extremely essential elements of the brand new administration,” he mentioned, 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 admire 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 admire 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 method 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 robust nationwide safety management and I highlighted my concepts on implementing President
Donald Trump’s America First peace via energy 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 robust 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.
All the time was a tough YES for @EliseStefanik but it surely was a pleasure to have a dialog.
I assist defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and absolutely look ahead 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
