Reports that Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) will become the first Democratic lawmaker to visit President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort have ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media. Fetterman’s meeting with Trump, coupled with his comparison of MAGA flirtations with acquiring Greenland to the Louisiana Purchase, drew immediate attention and criticism on Thursday.
Confirming the visit on his social media account, Fetterman emphasized his bipartisan approach. “I’m the Senator for all Pennsylvanians — not just Democrats in Pennsylvania,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ve been clear that no one is my gatekeeper. I will meet with and have a conversation with anyone if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation.”
The announcement triggered an array of reactions from political observers and commentators. “Fetterman is becoming the new Manchin,” wrote George Takei, actor and civil rights activist, referencing Sen. Joe Manchin’s reputation for breaking with Democratic orthodoxy.
“Amazing how rapidly Fetterman revealed himself to simply be The Worst,” added Adam Gurri, editor of Liberal Currents, on Bluesky. Columbia University professor Tom Watson speculated on X: “Fetterman is likely to switch parties. Let’s face it. Full horseshoe.”
The criticism continued with reporter Oliver Willis calling the senator “a disgrace” on Bluesky. Meanwhile, one X user quipped, “John Fetterman is Joe Manchin in a hoodie & gym shorts.”
Despite the backlash, Fetterman found support from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban. In a Bluesky post, Cuban defended the senator’s decision to meet with Trump. “A lot of people will criticize @johnfetterman.com for visiting Trump. Don’t. IMO, the best way to win voters is to do all you can to represent your constituents first. Your party last. Voters want results.
If he can use Trump to get that. Amen.” Trump’s win in Pennsylvania during the 2024 election heightened the significance of Fetterman’s decision, especially in a state President Joe Biden carried in 2020. Although Fetterman isn’t up for reelection until 2028, his willingness to engage with Trump has sparked controversy among Democrats and liberals.
Veteran healthcare reporter Jonathan Cohn expressed his dismay on Bluesky: “Fetterman keeps getting worse and worse.” As Fetterman prepares for his visit to Mar-a-Lago, the debate over his bipartisan outreach underscores the challenges of navigating a deeply polarized political landscape.
what a disgrace fetterman is Fetterman to be first sitting Democratic U.S. senator to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago www.cbsnews.com/news/fetterm…
— Oliver Willis (@owillis.bsky.social) January 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
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A lot of people will criticize @johnfetterman.com for visiting trump. Don't. Imo, the best way to win voters is to do all you can to represent your constituents first. Your party last. Voters want results. If he can use Trump to get that. Amen.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban.bsky.social) January 10, 2025 at 2:15 AM