Fetterman appears at RNC midterm convention in surprise video, vows to work with Trump on steel

Updated on: September 9, 2026 / 7:48 PM EDT / CBS News

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a surprise video at the Republican Party's midterm convention on Wednesday, as he becomes increasingly isolated from his own party.

"Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I'm a common-sense Democrat," the Pennsylvania senator said in a one-minute prerecorded video introducing GOP Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania. "I'm always going to stand with America. I'm always going to reject the extremes in socialism and that anti-American way of life."

Standing in front of Western Pennsylvania's Mon Valley Works steel mill, Fetterman said, "we'll work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley."

"How great is John Fetterman?" McCormick said after taking the stage, praising the Democrat for his "friendship" and "courage."

Mr. Trump cleared the way last year for U.S. Steel to be acquired by Japan-based Nippon Steel. The president and members of both parties, including Fetterman, had initially opposed Nippon's efforts to buy the iconic Pittsburgh-based steelmaker, but Mr. Trump ultimately signed off on an agreement that he argued would result in tens of billions in new investments…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/