Story perspectives

Fetterman Praises McCormick, Signals Trump Steel Cooperation

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 9:08 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Fetterman Praises McCormick

Sen. John Fetterman posted video at GOP convention praising Sen. David McCormick, pledging to work with President Donald Trump on steel.
Democratic senators defended Fetterman, denied a switch, while Republican leaders said they spoke with him and would welcome a GOP move.
Sen. Peter Welch noted Fetterman votes with Democrats about 90% and called criticism wasteful.
Majority Leader John Thune said they spoke with Fetterman and would welcome his GOP switch.

Left

Fetterman Praises McCormick

Senator John Fetterman posted a video at the Republican convention on Wednesday, praising David McCormick and pledging to work with President Donald Trump on steel.
Left-leaning coverage frames the video as proof that Fetterman is neglecting Senate duties and abandoning his constituents.
Democratic Representative Brendan Boyle said Fetterman has failed Pennsylvanians after the video.
Democratic Representative Chris Deluzio warned Fetterman likely will not be a senator after 2028.

History

Historical Context

In 1964 Strom Thurmond left the Democratic Party for the Republicans, a move that helped cement the South’s shift after Barry Goldwater’s campaign and echoed the nation’s two-party dominance developing in the 1790s. Today, Senator John Fetterman’s video praising Donald Trump and David McCormick revives that loyalty test, a pattern amplified by Trump’s post-presidency role as a party boss who endorsed over 200 candidates in 2022.

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Fetterman Praises McCormick

Sen. John Fetterman posted video at GOP convention praising Sen. David McCormick, pledging to work with President Donald Trump on steel.
Democratic senators defended Fetterman, denied a switch, while Republican leaders said they spoke with him and would welcome a GOP move.
Sen. Peter Welch noted Fetterman votes with Democrats about 90% and called criticism wasteful.
Majority Leader John Thune said they spoke with Fetterman and would welcome his GOP switch.

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