Donald Trump urges John Fetterman to switch parties at Joint Base Andrews
President Donald Trump encouraged Sen. John Fetterman to become a Republican at Joint Base Andrews on Saturday. The political appeal comes just weeks before midterm elections that could reshape congressional control.
Trump spoke to reporters at the military facility. He had just returned to Washington from a rally in Tennessee.
“I’d love to see him as a Republican,” Trump told reporters. “He does better as a Republican than he does as a Democrat.”
The remarks marked a direct effort to recruit the Pennsylvania Democrat into the GOP. Republicans risk losing their Senate majority next month. A representative for Fetterman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fetterman won election to the Senate in 2022. He has split with fellow Democrats on issues involving immigration and Israel. Those policy divisions sparked speculation about his party affiliation.
He previously rejected the idea of leaving the Democratic Party. He wrote in The Washington Post in May about the issue. He wrote he would be a “terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.”
Tensions grew after Fetterman recorded a video for the Republican midterm convention last month. He praised fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick. He also suggested extremists existed in his own party.
“I’m always going to stand with America,” Fetterman said in the video. “I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life.”
Trump noted those actions could complicate Fetterman’s future primary chances. Democrats must gain four seats to retake the chamber majority. Economic fallout from the Iran war has created political challenges for Republicans.
Gaining four seats would give Democrats fifty-one votes. That tally could leave Fetterman with significant influence. It could also reduce any motivation to change sides.
Joint Base Andrews serves as a key military flight hub near Washington. Air Force facilities regularly host presidential departures and arrivals. Press members gather on the flight line for official statements.
Senate party switches previously altered control of the legislative body. Sen. Jim Jeffords left the GOP in 2001. Former Sen. Arlen Specter abandoned Republicans in 2009.
