Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., expressed hope for President-elect Trump's success and criticized those wishing otherwise.
In an interview aired Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Fetterman spoke with co-anchor Jonathan Karl in a pre-recorded segment lasting over 10 minutes.
"I'm not rooting against him," Fetterman stated. "If you're rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation. I'm not ever going to want a president to fail. Country first. I know that's become a cliché, but it’s true."
He pushed back on the notion that Trump's movement represents fascism. While Vice President Kamala Harris labeled Trump a fascist during her campaign, Fetterman noted it was her "prerogative."
"Fascism, that's not a word regular people use," he said. "I think people are going to decide which candidate protects and reflects their version of the American way of life, and that’s what happened."
Fetterman has been meeting with Trump's Cabinet nominees to approach decisions with an open mind.
"I believe it’s the responsibility of a U.S. senator to have conversations with President-elect Trump's nominees," Fetterman shared on X. "That’s why I’ve met with Elise Stefanik, Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard, and I look forward to more."
He emphasized his approach. "My votes will come from an open mind and informed opinion after talking with them. It’s not controversial—it’s my job," he added.
Fetterman also urged Democrats to remain calm about Trump. Over a month ago, he warned against overreacting and reiterated that Trump hasn’t even taken office yet.