Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has drawn attention for his remarks on President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion to purchase Greenland, calling for open dialogue on the proposal while invoking historical parallels like the Louisiana Purchase and Alaska acquisition. At the same time, Fetterman has taken a prominent bipartisan step by co-sponsoring the Republican-led Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student tragically killed last year by an illegal migrant.
Speaking on Fox News alongside Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Fetterman addressed concerns about Trump’s Greenland proposal, advocating for thoughtful consideration rather than knee-jerk reactions. “There’s a lot of talk about Greenland, for example, and … there’s a lot of freak-outs, and of course, I would never support taking it by force,” Fetterman said. He argued that a potential purchase could merit discussion, saying, “If anyone thinks that’s bonkers, it’s like, well, remember the Louisiana Purchase?”
He emphasized the importance of ongoing conversations around strategic proposals, adding, “Some things might work out, some may not, but that’s part of ongoing dialogue.”
Meanwhile, Fetterman’s bipartisan efforts in immigration reform have also drawn attention. His office confirmed his support for the Laken Riley Act, named after the University of Georgia student killed by Jose Ibarra, an illegal migrant convicted of her murder. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to take custody of illegal migrants who commit theft and grant state attorneys general the ability to sue if federal authorities fail to enforce the law.
“Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people,” Fetterman’s office said in a statement. “No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence.” He added that while immigration strengthens the nation, “we must equip authorities with the tools to prevent tragedies like this one.”
Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), who introduced the bill’s companion legislation in the House, expressed gratitude for Fetterman’s support. “This bill sells itself, but I will be living in the Senate hallways until it passes if need be,” Collins wrote, urging Georgia’s senators to follow suit.
Fetterman’s co-sponsorship reflects a growing bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for stronger immigration measures to enhance public safety. “Republicans and Democrats have plenty to debate on immigration policy, but securing the safety and well-being of our constituents is a key tenant of our obligation to those we serve,” Collins wrote in a March op-ed.
With the House preparing to vote on the Laken Riley Act, Fetterman’s actions highlight his willingness to work across the aisle on pressing issues, from strategic national proposals to safeguarding communities. His stance underscores the broader potential for bipartisanship in addressing complex challenges.
When he was elected, I thought he was incapable of doing the job but he is now one of the few thinking demos.