Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) makeover from staunch progressive to a Trump-adjacent lawmaker has raised questions about what he has supported so far, including whether he voted for scandal-plagued, Pete Hegseth, to serve as defense secretary.
Did John Fetterman vote for Pete Hegseth?
In December, Fetterman signalled that he was open to supporting Hegseth, telling ABC News, “My commitment, and I think I’m doing the job, is I’m going to sit down and have a conversation.”
“To me, it would be distressing if he is confirmed, if the Democrats are going to turn our back collectively to the leader of the defense,” he continued. “I mean, that’s astonishing and that’s dangerous.”
Despite his comments, Fetterman did not vote for Hegseth to serve as defense secretary.
Did any Democrat vote for Pete Hegseth?
No Democrat voted for Pete Hegseth to serve as defense secretary. Democrats argued that he is “woefully” unqualified to serve as Pentagon chief.
Other than his lack of qualifications, Democrats also raised questions about Hegseth’s conduct.
Hegseth was accused of sexual assault, mismanaging two veterans organizations, abusing alcohol, infidelity and called a serial “abuser of women” by his own mother.
Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) joined every Democrat in opposing Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary.
Hegseth was ultimately confirmed in a dramatic tie-breaking vote despite bipartisan objections. Vice President JD Vance broke the 50-50 tie.
Secretary Hegseth Scandals
Turns out Democrats’ concerns about Hegseth’s inexperience being a liability were warranted.
Just this week, Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported that he was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat by national security advisor Michael Waltz. In the unsecured chat, Hegseth revealed sensitive information, including timings for airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen before they began.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Hegseth brought his wife to meetings with foreign military leaders where “sensitive information was discussed.”
Several Democrats are calling for Hegseth to resign, Fetterman has been noticeable quiet.
