Fetterman Says He’ll Have An Open Mind About Trump’s Nominees

 Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said on Tuesday that he will be receptive to President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominees to serve in top roles during the next administration.

“I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump’s nominees,” Fetterman said in a post to X. “That’s why I met with Elise Stefanik and Pete Hegseth, just wrapped with Tulsi Gabbard, and look forward to my meetings with others soon.”

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) is Trump’s pick to serve as director of national intelligence. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is the nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Pete Hegseth is Trump’s pick for secretary of defense.

“My votes will come from an open-mind and an informed opinion after having a conversation with them. That’s not controversial, it’s my job,” Fetterman added.

 

Fetterman also posted a screenshot of a post to X from Hegseth last week showing the senator talking to CNN’s Manu Raju about not ruling out the nomination to lead the Department of Defense.

“Thank you [Fetterman] for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel,” Hegseth said in at the post, adding: “And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers.”

Stefanik shared a photo on X last week showing herself and Fetterman smiling and flashing thumbs up.

“Thank you to [Fetterman] for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism,” she said. “Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing President [Trump’s] America First peace through strength national security agenda.”

In response, Fetterman said, “Always was a hard YES for [Stefanik] but it was a pleasure to have a conversation.” He added, “I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the [United Nations] accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views.”

Another nominee that Fetterman has indicated he would consider supporting is Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump’s pick to become administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” said Fetterman, who beat Oz in a hotly contested 2022 U.S. Senate race.

Fetterman may not be the only Democrat who is open to the possibility of voting for at least some of Trump’s nominees.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) joked during a joint appearance with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on CNBC that his Democrat colleague would back all of Trump’s picks.

“Amy told me she’s voting for all of Trump’s nominees,” Cruz said.

“Stop!” Klobuchar said with a smile. “The last time, I voted for half his nominees on the Cabinet because I carefully reviewed each one and made decisions.”