Fetterman goes MAGA as Democratic senator praises Trump in surprise GOP convention video

DALLAS, TEXAS: Democratic Senator John Fetterman made a surprise video appearance at the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday, September 9, praising Republican Senator Dave McCormick and saying that he would work with him and President Donald Trump to support Pennsylvania's steel industry.

Fetterman described himself as a "commonsense Democrat" and said he would continue to reject "the extremes and socialism." The appearance comes as Fetterman's increasingly bipartisan approach and close relationship with McCormick have drawn criticism from Democrats.

Fetterman praises McCormick and backs working with Trump on steel

Fetterman appeared in a prerecorded video standing outside the Mon Valley Works, a US Steel processing plant in Pittsburgh, as he delivered a message supporting McCormick.

"Yes, I’m a Democrat. Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I’m a common-sense Democrat," Fetterman said. "I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and the anti-American way of life. Dave McCormick is the kind of senator that gets the job done, and he’s going to fight for Pennsylvania. I’m proud to count him as my friend.”

Fetterman then pointed to the steel facility behind him and said he intended to work with McCormick and Trump on the issue.

"That’s exactly the kind of thing that we’ll work together, and we’ll work with President Trump, to fight and defend the steel way of life, right here in the Steel Valley," Fetterman said. McCormick later thanked Fetterman for his "friendship" and his "courage." 

Fetterman and McCormick have developed a close relationship in the Senate despite belonging to opposing parties. The two senators also launched a joint fundraising committee, a move that prompted criticism from Democrats. Fetterman has also previously considered leaving the Democratic Party but later said that he would not do so.

Fetterman faces criticism over Republican ties

Fetterman has been gaining scrutiny because of his relationship with Republicans and reports from former and current aides about his approach to his Senate duties. A Wall Street Journal report cited former staff members and internal documents that described what they characterized as Fetterman’s limited interest in constituent events.

McCormick defended Fetterman after the report, calling the criticism an effort by Democrats and former staff members to undermine his colleague. "These stories are the latest example of outrageously disloyal staff and forces on the Left using anonymous leaks to cancel my friend John Fetterman. They hate that he is an independent thinker who refuses to fall into line so they want to silence him."

Pennsylvania state Rep Malcolm Kenyatta also criticized Fetterman, accusing him of failing to focus on his responsibilities as a senator.

Kenyatta said, "John Fetterman is the laziest Benedict Arnold America has ever seen. He didn’t even have it in him to get off his couch in his million-dollar penthouse to kiss Donald Trump’s ring in person. He phoned it in, just as he has every day as our senator. John should do his job or resign."