Senator Fetterman Steps Into Social Media Fray, Calls for Unlikely Action

Senator John Fetterman joins Trump’s Truth Social platform, calls for former president’s pardon in hush money case.

At a Glance

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joins Truth Social, calls for Trump’s pardon in hush money case.
Fetterman argues both Trump and Hunter Biden cases are politically motivated.
Senator gains significant following on Truth Social within days of joining.
Fetterman also joins Bluesky, expanding his social media presence.

Fetterman’s Controversial Move to Truth Social

In a surprising move that has caught the attention of both sides of the political aisle, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has joined Truth Social, the social media platform launched by former President Donald Trump. Fetterman’s first post on the platform, made on December 10, immediately stirred controversy by calling for Trump to be pardoned in the New York hush money case.

BREAKING: Sen. John Fetterman has joined Truth Social and uses his first post to blast both the Trump "hush money" case and the the Hunter Biden case, saying both deserve pardons.

Fetterman is full of surprises, I'll give him that. pic.twitter.com/sbuDwNNVGs

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 11, 2024

Fetterman’s presence on Truth Social is part of his strategy to engage with audiences typically challenging for Democrats. Within days of joining, the senator amassed over 28,700 followers on the platform, demonstrating the impact of his bold stance.

Fetterman’s Argument for Trump’s Pardon

The crux of Fetterman’s argument lies in his belief that both the Trump hush money case and the Hunter Biden case are politically motivated. He contends that using the judiciary for partisan purposes undermines public trust in institutions and increases division.

“The Trump hush money and Hunter Biden cases were both bulls‑‑‑, and pardons are appropriate. Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division.” – John Fetterman

Expanding Digital Presence

Not content with just joining Truth Social, Fetterman also announced his presence on Bluesky, another social media platform. This move underscores his commitment to reaching diverse audiences and effectively spreading his message across various social media venues.

While Fetterman’s follower count on Truth Social is significant, it pales in comparison to his 860,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). However, his presence on these alternative platforms allows him to engage with audiences that might not typically interact with Democratic politicians.

Implications and Reactions

Fetterman’s call for Trump’s pardon has sparked diverse reactions. Some view it as a bold move to address perceived injustices in the legal system, while others see it as a controversial stance that could alienate some Democratic supporters.

It’s worth noting that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has the authority to pardon Trump in the state case, but given their strained relationship, such a move seems unlikely. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) has also urged Hochul to consider pardoning Trump after his conviction, arguing it would be beneficial for the country.

As the 2024 election approaches, Fetterman’s unconventional approach to political communication and his willingness to engage on platforms associated with his political opponents may signal a shift in how politicians navigate the increasingly fragmented social media landscape.