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Sen. John Fetterman dismantles suggestions from ABC host that Trump may be a Fascist

In a recent interview with ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman dismissed claims from the left that Donald Trump is a fascist.

Fetterman’s comments offered a more nuanced perspective on Trump’s political appeal and the language used in political discourse, highlighting his willingness to engage constructively even in a polarized environment.

During the interview, Fetterman began by recognizing Trump’s political abilities, particularly his response to adversity. Reflecting on Trump’s actions after surviving an assassination attempt, Fetterman noted, “After you survived an assassination, you literally were shot in your head and had the presence of mind to respond, ‘Fight, fight, fight.’ That’s a political talent. It’s undeniable.”

He emphasized that Trump’s ability to connect with voters and project resilience is an important factor in his political success, one that shouldn’t be dismissed.

However, Fetterman pushed back against the notion that Trump’s presidency can be reduced to fascism. “I never believed that it was about fascism,” he said, adding, “For me, that made it difficult.”

When Karl brought up that Vice President Kamala Harris had described Trump as a fascist during her presidential campaign, Fetterman distanced himself from that characterization. “That’s her prerogative,” he said. “But it’s not a word I would use.”

Fetterman argued that such labels alienate voters, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, where many Democrats have friends and family who voted for Trump. “There are a lot of Democrats, especially in my state, who love people that are going to vote for Trump. And they are not fascists,” he said.

He went on to criticize the use of the term “fascist,” saying, “Fascist is not a word that regular people use. I think people are going to decide who is the candidate that’s going to protect and project my version of the American way of life. And that’s what happened.”

Rather than focusing on partisan attacks, Fetterman has pledged to work with the incoming Trump administration. He has already met with several of Trump’s cabinet appointees to assess their plans and determine whether he will support their confirmations.

“I believe it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump’s nominees,” Fetterman wrote on the X platform.

Fetterman has held meetings with candidates such as Elise Stefanik, Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard, saying, “I look forward to my meetings with others soon.”

By refusing to vilify Trump and instead focusing on dialogue and practical collaboration, Fetterman has positioned himself as a pragmatist. His willingness to work with the Trump administration underscores his belief in addressing the needs of the American people above political divisions.

In a time of heightened partisanship, Fetterman’s approach highlights the importance of respectful discourse and the pursuit of solutions that transcend party lines.