Thune: Fetterman would be welcomed in Senate GOP caucus

Although Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has stressed he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that Fetterman would be welcome to caucus with Republicans if he chose to do so.

"Yes, we would welcome it," Thune told reporters during a news conference with Senate GOP leadership. "I haven't talked to him recently."

"I have had conversations with him in the past, as have many of my colleagues, about the challenges he faces in his caucus. There are many of us who I think would welcome the opportunity to have him join the Republican conference," he added.

Fetterman said last week that he has a major concern over the trajectory of many Democrats, who have become increasingly critical of U.S. support for Israel amid growing pressure from the party's progressive base.

"If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that's when I would leave because that's been a moral clarity for me," he said.

Fetterman did not clarify whether he would become an independent while continuing to caucus with Democrats or instead switch parties.

"You know, ultimately, that's a decision that's up to him," said Thune.

"I mean, this is a party that's moving further and further, more radically, and to the more extreme left on a lot of issues, and I think people like John Fetterman, who have views that probably reflect a more moderate or at least historically moderate Democrat position, are really kind of people without a home," added the Senate majority leader.

"So if he ever comes to the conclusion that he's ready to move, we would certainly welcome it," Thune said.

Newsmax reached out to Fetterman's office for comment.