Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) turned a routine press interaction into a comedic spectacle when asked about a rumored visit to former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The senator, known for his unconventional style and candid remarks, left reporters scratching their heads with his quip: “I demand that I need to be made Pope of Greenland.”
The unexpected response sparked confusion and laughter among those present. One reporter, determined to keep the banter going, asked, “Do you have the résumé to be Pope?” Without missing a beat, Fetterman shifted to a more serious tone, reiterating his dedication to bipartisan representation.
“I am not the senator for just Democrats in Pennsylvania,” he emphasized. “I’m everyone’s senator in Pennsylvania.” Fetterman elaborated that his conversations with Trump would focus on policy, highlighting his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan “Laken Riley Bill” as an example of his commitment to cross-party collaboration. “It’s just having a conversation,” he concluded.
REPORTER: What are you hoping to get out of your visit to Mar-a-Lago with Donald Trump?
SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: “I demand that I need to be made Pope of Greenland.”
H/t @KellieMeyerNews pic.twitter.com/F5L7BWXxtj
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 10, 2025
The invitation from Trump signals a surprising willingness to engage across party lines, especially in a political climate often defined by division. Fetterman’s pragmatic approach has frequently set him apart from more orthodox members of his party. His sponsorship of the Laken Riley Act and his advocacy for stronger border security illustrate his commitment to “common-sense legislation,” even when it means diverging from Democratic norms.
This is not the first time Fetterman has embraced bipartisanship. He was the first Senate Democrat to meet with Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, a move he defended by stressing the importance of open dialogue in governance. “We need to have conversations to move forward,” he told CNN’s Manu Raju at the time.
Fetterman’s humor extended to an ongoing debate about Greenland, a topic Trump himself has revived. In an appearance on Fox News, Fetterman entertained the idea of the U.S. acquiring the sparsely populated Danish territory. “There’s a lot of talk about Greenland, and there’s a lot of freak-outs,” he said. “Of course, I would never support taking it by force. But I do think it’s a responsible conversation if they were open to selling it.”
Trump has previously described control of Greenland as an “absolutely necessity” for U.S. strategic interests. Fetterman compared the potential acquisition to historic deals like the Louisiana Purchase and the purchase of Alaska, often called “Seward’s Folly” before its strategic value became clear.
“If anyone thinks that’s bonkers, remember the Louisiana Purchase,” he argued. “Alaska was a pretty great deal too. I think it cost $50 million. These things can be transformational.”
While Fetterman’s comment about being “Pope of Greenland” was clearly in jest, it underscored his willingness to tackle even unusual or controversial topics with a mix of humor and practicality. His ability to pivot between levity and substance continues to make him a distinctive voice in the Senate.
The meeting at Mar-a-Lago, if it proceeds as planned, could serve as a significant moment of bipartisan outreach. Whether discussing Greenland or the Laken Riley Act, Fetterman’s approach reflects his broader philosophy: bridging divides with honesty, humor, and a focus on results. Only time will tell if his efforts resonate with constituents and colleagues alike, but one thing is clear—he knows how to keep people talking.