Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has made a number of interesting statements over the past year that seem to be far out of the realm of what's being said and done within the ranks of his own party.

He has also taken positions on topics outside of the rank-and-file of the Democratic Party, and continues to do so in a variety of different ways.

That was evidenced once again this week as according to Politico, the Pennsylvania Democrat announced that he will be meeting with former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who President-elect Donald Trump selected to lead the Department of Defense. 

Fetterman will become the first Senate Democrat to meet with Hegseth as he continues to face extreme opposition from Dems and their establishment media allies.

What's going on?

Fetterman confirmed to the outlet on Wednesday that he would meet with Hegseth on Thursday, even adding that he's not ruling out the possibility of supporting Hegseth's confirmation in the upper chamber.

"He could theoretically become the head of the Defense Department,” Fetterman said.

He added, “I've discovered in my time in D.C. that that's important. And, ‘Are you having a conversation with someone?’ I don’t know why that’s shocking."

The media attempted to make a mountain out of a molehill regarding Fetterman's announcement that he would meet with Hegseth, but quickly shot down the dramatic outrage.

NEW: John Fetterman explains that he’s going to meet with Pete Hegseth and other Trump nominees, despite Democrat freak outs:

"Democrats or other people can freak out over anyone that was nominated, and I am not that guy."

Fetterman reminds CNN that Trump won his state of PA:… pic.twitter.com/cncODSqR7L

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 12, 2024

"I mean I'm waiting," he said, referencing his meeting with Hegseth. "And I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to have a conversation."

Social media reacts

Continuing a trend of being applauded for going outside of the Democrats' box of propaganda and talking points, Fetterman's announcement was well received across social media.

"Fetterman shows that in politics it's about collaborating not just resisting those who don't think like us," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "I mean it’s getting harder and harder not to like the guy. He speak the truth and rarely plays the political games. He seems authentic and sincere. To his point, while he may not agree with a lot of Trump’s policies, I appreciate that he’s at least trying to make an effort to be bi-partisan and work with the Reps. I may be totally wrong, but just how I see it right now."

It'll be interesting to see if Hegseth wins him over as far as his confirmation is concerned. That would be massive.