Sen. John Fetterman reportedly stunned members of his own staff during a private meeting last year after floating the possibility that he could become the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2028, according to a lengthy new report from New York Magazine.
The revelation came as part of a broader examination of Fetterman’s transformation from an unconventional populist Democrat into one of the Senate’s strongest defenders of Israel, even as many within his party have grown increasingly skeptical of unconditional American support for foreign conflicts and overseas military commitments.
According to the report, much of Fetterman’s recent political evolution has coincided with the growing influence of David “Dovi” Safier, an unpaid adviser described as a writer on Jewish history and fundraiser for Orthodox causes. The magazine noted Safier has no known background in government or congressional advising, yet former staffers said he has become a constant presence around the senator.
One former aide told the publication Safier “just kind of appeared” within Fetterman’s orbit several years ago.
“Fetterman’s dwindling inner circle has, by default, given Safier an unusually large influence,” the report stated.
Former staffers described Safier spending long stretches inside Fetterman’s Capitol Hill office or accompanying the senator to the Senate floor. According to one former aide, conversations between the two often appeared to shift Fetterman further toward hardline positions, particularly regarding Israel.
“The chatter around the office is usually: ‘Oh God, Safier is here, and now John’s not gonna go to any of his meetings,’” the former staffer told the magazine.
The report also stated that Fetterman has held several calls with Benjamin Netanyahu and that Safier reportedly listens in on those conversations.
Fetterman’s staunch support for Israel has increasingly isolated him from large segments of the Democratic base, particularly younger and progressive voters who have become more critical of continued U.S. involvement abroad. The growing divide appears to have taken a political toll.
According to the report, Fetterman’s net approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats has plummeted by 108 points since 2023, falling from plus-68 to minus-40, based on CNN polling cited by the magazine.
Despite those numbers, Fetterman reportedly raised the possibility during a rare strategy meeting last summer that he could still emerge as a viable vice presidential contender in 2028.
The suggestion reportedly left aides dumbfounded.
“Almost all of us had our jaws on the floor,” one person in the room reportedly said. “Are you out of your f*cking mind? You don’t do your job, you can’t raise any money, and your entire party hates you.”
The report noted that Fetterman had previously discussed ambitions for a presidential run before shifting to what he allegedly viewed as a more realistic goal of vice president.
The senator’s office has also faced ongoing instability. News of the report arrived just one day after it was revealed that Fetterman’s chief of staff had resigned, marking the third chief-of-staff departure since he entered the Senate in 2023. The office has experienced what observers described as a steady exodus of aides during his first term.
At the same time, speculation has continued to grow over whether Fetterman could eventually switch parties. Republicans reportedly have attempted to court the Pennsylvania senator as the GOP works to protect its narrow Senate majority ahead of the midterm elections.
Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to reclaim control of the chamber.
Despite his disagreements with fellow Democrats on several issues — particularly foreign policy and support for Israel — Fetterman has insisted he intends to remain a Democrat.
The episode highlights the increasingly bitter divisions inside both parties as Washington becomes more consumed by ideological battles, foreign policy disputes, and personal political branding, often leaving voters questioning whether elected officials remain focused on the everyday concerns facing Americans at home.
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