On January 10, 2025 – US Democratic Senator John Fetterman announced on Thursday (January 9) that he has accepted an invitation from President Trump to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
In a statement, Fetterman said, “President Trump invited me to meet and I have accepted. I am a senator for all Pennsylvanians, not just a Democratic party member from Pennsylvania.”
Speaking to CBS News about the upcoming meeting, Fetterman mentioned, “That’s the plan. Yes, we are going to have a conversation.”
He will be the first current Democratic Senator to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago since the election.
Fetterman stated, “I think if the President wants to have a dialogue or invite someone to have a dialogue, it’s quite reasonable. No one is my gatekeeper.”
Fetterman, a Democrat, was the first to introduce the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal authorities to detain foreign nationals convicted or charged with crimes such as burglary, theft, or shoplifting. A version of the bill has been passed in the House and is currently under review in the Senate.
A source mentioned that Trump hopes Fetterman will support some of his cabinet nominees, including Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
Fetterman mentioned, “I have been in continuous dialogue with those who will have an impact on Pennsylvania and the country.”
Fetterman has shown openness to some of the suggestions made by Trump, despite immediate opposition from most Democrats. This week, when Trump suggested that the US should control Greenland, Fetterman commented that it was an idea worth discussing.
Additionally, Trump’s aides have been in talks with some other Democratic members of Congress to discuss the issues related to State and Local tax (SALT). This tax deduction allows taxpayers to deduct all or part of their state or local taxes, with a maximum limit of $10,000 per taxpayer.
In response to this, New York Democratic Representative Pat Ryan urged Trump to involve Democrats in negotiations regarding the federal deduction cap limits.
On Tuesday, he stated in a press release, “If President Trump really wants to eliminate the SALT limit and end double taxation, he will need bipartisan support. If necessary, I will personally go to Mar-a-Lago.”