Did Dem Senator John Fetterman say he was voting for Trump? Here's the truth

A rumour circulated suggesting that Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania stated he intended to vote for former President Donald Trump . This claim originated from a TikTok video in which Fetterman appeared on stage responding to a question about Trump. A Threads post dated Sept. 23 further fuelled this rumour by suggesting Fetterman said, "I fundamentally think that I’ll still vote for him." The post quickly gained traction, accumulating over 900 likes in just two days and being shared extensively on TikTok.

However, this claim is false. A longer version of the video clearly shows that Fetterman was discussing the sentiments expressed to him by Trump voters rather than outlining his own voting intentions. Fetterman has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, and there is no evidence to suggest that this position has changed.

The video clip in question was part of a broader interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, conducted on Sept. 19 during The Atlantic Festival 2024. During this interview, Fetterman addressed political polarisation and conveyed the feelings of Trump supporters, saying, “I know some people that are like, ‘I personally think he’s a terrible person,’ or, ‘I’m appalled by some of these things, but I fundamentally think that I’ll still vote for him.’” This comment was misconstrued in the Threads post as Fetterman's personal stance, but it was evident that he was merely relaying the sentiments expressed to him by Trump voters.

Further into the interview, when Goldberg sought Fetterman's perspective on why individuals in his community continue to support Trump, Fetterman acknowledged the energy and frustration among Trump supporters in Pennsylvania. He emphasised that Trump remains a strong candidate who commands respect from his base.

Fetterman officially endorsed Harris on July 22, following President Joe Biden ’s decision not to seek re-election. Since then, he has been actively campaigning for Harris, participating in events across Pennsylvania, including a rally in Philadelphia on Aug. 6 and another in Johnstown on Sept. 13. Throughout the interview, Fetterman spoke positively about Harris, describing her as "an amazing candidate" and "magnificent," reaffirming his support for her candidacy.

This is not the first time false claims have targeted Fetterman. Previously, there have been debunked allegations that he announced his resignation in 2023, uses a body double, and attempted to fraudulently count undated ballots in 2022.

A brief background on John Fetterman

John Fetterman is an American politician currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania. He was elected to the Senate in November 2022, defeating Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz in one of that year's most high-profile Senate races. His victory marked the first time a Democrat had held this Senate seat in Pennsylvania since 1962. Fetterman, known for his unconventional appearance and progressive political views, has become a notable figure in American politics.

Born on August 15, 1969, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Fetterman was raised in a middle-class family in York, Pennsylvania. He attended Albright College, earning a bachelor's degree in finance, before pursuing a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. This educational background provided him with a strong foundation in economics and public affairs, influencing his subsequent political career.

Fetterman's political journey began in 2005 when he became the Mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, a small steel town that had experienced severe economic decline. Serving as mayor for 13 years, he focused on revitalising the community, addressing issues such as housing, gun violence, and economic redevelopment. Known for his hands-on and unconventional approach, Fetterman famously tattooed Braddock's ZIP code, 15104, on his left arm as a sign of commitment to the town. He also tattooed the dates of homicides that occurred during his tenure on his right arm to draw attention to the issue of gun violence. His efforts in Braddock gained widespread recognition, although some questioned the tangible impact of his initiatives.

In 2016, Fetterman made his first bid for statewide office by running for the U.S. Senate. Although he lost the Democratic primary, the campaign helped raise his profile in Pennsylvania politics. He later ran for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania in 2018, winning the position and serving from 2019 to 2023. As Lieutenant Governor, he chaired the state's Board of Pardons, where he advocated for criminal justice reform, focusing on issues such as marijuana decriminalisation and clemency for long-serving inmates with nonviolent offences.

Fetterman's political platform is characterised by progressive stances, including support for Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, marijuana legalisation, and increased investment in renewable energy to address climate change. Despite his progressive views, Fetterman has managed to appeal to a wide range of voters, including working-class and rural communities, due to his authenticity and straightforward manner. His casual style, often seen in hoodies and shorts instead of traditional suits, distinguishes him from many other politicians and resonates with voters who appreciate his relatable image.

Fetterman's 2022 Senate campaign attracted national attention, partly due to his high-profile opponent, Mehmet Oz, and also because of his health issues. Fetterman suffered a stroke shortly before the Democratic primary, raising concerns about his ability to campaign effectively. Despite this setback, he remained committed to his campaign, and his transparency and sense of humour regarding his recovery further endeared him to his supporters.