Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) revealed details about his recent meeting with Kash Patel, President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI.
According to Fetterman, Patel assured him during their discussion that he would not target Trump’s political enemies if confirmed by the Senate.
Speaking on ABC News’s This Week with Jonathan Karl, Fetterman shared insights from their conversation, though he declined to provide specifics, citing the off-the-record nature of their meeting.
When asked about Patel’s past remarks suggesting he would go after Trump’s adversaries, Fetterman responded firmly, “Absolutely … that’s never going to happen.” However, he added, “That’s not it. That’s what he claims,” implying skepticism about Patel’s assurances.
Fetterman is one of the few Democratic senators who agreed to meet with Trump’s nominee for the high-profile position, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue despite partisan divides.
During their 30-minute meeting, Fetterman learned about Patel’s personal background, including his family’s immigration story and his previous role as a public defender. These details appeared to surprise the Pennsylvania senator, as he admitted he was unaware of Patel’s professional history before their discussion.
When asked whether he found Patel more likable than expected or if he could see himself supporting the nominee, Fetterman responded cautiously, “I mean, how much can you absorb in 30 minutes?”
While noncommittal, his remarks highlighted a sense of openness to understanding Trump’s nominees rather than dismissing them outright.
Fetterman also expressed no regrets about meeting with Trump’s picks for key positions. “I have learned things, and I have heard things, and I have no regrets for having these [meetings],” he said. “I never left any of those interviews saying, well, that was a waste of time, or I regret that.”
Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI has been controversial, given his previous public comments and his close ties to Trump. Critics have raised concerns about his impartiality, fearing that he might use the FBI to advance Trump’s political agenda.
These apprehensions are rooted in remarks Patel has made in the past, suggesting a willingness to target Trump’s opponents.
Fetterman’s meeting with Patel comes as the Senate prepares to evaluate Trump’s nominees for key roles in his administration.
While many Democrats have been critical of Patel’s nomination, Fetterman’s decision to meet with him reflects a broader strategy of engagement and information-gathering.
As President-elect Trump’s inauguration approaches, Patel’s confirmation process is expected to be a focal point in the Senate. Fetterman’s comments underscore the importance of scrutinizing Patel’s qualifications and intentions, particularly in light of his controversial past statements.
While it remains unclear whether Fetterman or other Democrats will support Patel’s nomination, the senator’s willingness to engage with Trump’s nominees suggests a pragmatic approach to navigating the new administration’s priorities.
