Trump: I welcome Senator John Fetterman to join the Republican Party

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US President Donald Trump announced that he welcomed Senator John Fetterman, representative of Pennsylvania from the Democratic Party, to join the Republican Party, describing him as a “great man,” in light of growing speculation about the possibility of changing his party affiliation.

Trump said, on Saturday, in response to a journalist's question after leaving Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, that he would be happy to have Fetterman join the Republicans, adding: "I would like to see him do that. I think he is a great person."

Trump added that Fetterman's chances of obtaining the Democratic Party nomination may be difficult, but he stressed his desire to join the Republican Party, praising his personality, intelligence, and what he described as "common sense." He also praised his parents, noting that he had spoken to them previously.

The US President believed that switching to the Republican Party might serve Fetterman's political future, saying: “If you look at the opinion polls, you will find that his performance is better as a Republican than his performance as a Democrat.”

Trump's statements come at a time when Fetterman's positions have witnessed repeated differences with his party's leadership on a number of major issues, including the war with Iran and immigration, despite his continuing to vote with the Democrats most of the time.

According to Fox News, since joining the Senate in 2023, Fetterman has voted with the Democrats in the Senate nearly 90% of the time. However, this percentage declined to slightly less than 81% during the current session of Congress.

His positions, which sometimes contradict his party's orientations, have raised speculation over the past months about the possibility of his move to the Republican Party, especially with reports of his use of fundraising platforms linked to Republicans, as well as his close relationship with Republican Senator Katie Britt, representing the state of Alabama.

Fetterman also made a notable appearance last month, when he participated in a video clip introducing Republican Senator Dave McCormick, representing Pennsylvania, during the Republican convention for the midterm elections.

While participating in a Trip Fest event organized by the Texas Tribune newspaper last month, Fetterman mistakenly described himself as a Republican since childhood, before realizing his slip of the tongue, saying: “I guarantee you that this statement will spread, and it will be taken out of context in video clips.”

Fetterman's office did not immediately comment on Trump's statements, according to Fox News.