Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa. ) voted on January 21 with Republicans to support the nomination of Pete Hegseth, who is President Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary. Despite this vote, Fetterman stated that he will not change his party affiliation and remains a member of the Democratic Party. He was the only Democrat to vote in favor of advancing Hegseth’s nomination, while all other Democrats and two independents voted against it.
Fetterman's support for Hegseth’s nomination adds to his record of differing from many in his party, as he has met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, expressed willingness to vote for Trump’s nominee for U. S. ambassador to the United Nations, and signed up for Trump’s social media platform. Fetterman clarified in an interview that he has informed Democratic Party leaders that he will not switch parties or leave the Democratic caucus.
He mentioned that any assumptions of him following the paths of former senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party for independence, are incorrect. Fetterman emphasized the importance of having conversations with nominees and assured that his votes would be made with an open mind based on informed opinions.
As the Senate prepares for the final vote on Hegseth’s nomination, other Democratic senators have voiced their concerns about his qualifications. In contrast, Republicans have expressed their support for Hegseth, praising his qualifications and service.
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