Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., says he hopes President-elect Trump is successful, and spoke out against those who feel otherwise. 

Fetterman appeared Sunday on ABC'S "This Week." His more than 10-minute sit-down segment was pre-recorded with co-anchor Jonathan Karl. 

"I'm not rooting against him," the Democratic senator said. "If you're rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation. And and I'm not ever going to be where I want a president to fail. So, country first. I know that's become maybe like a cliche, but it happens to be true."

The senator told Karl he never believed Trump's movement was about fascism, while noting that it was Vice President Kamala Harris' "prerogative" to call Trump a fascist during her campaign.

FETTERMAN MEETS WITH TRUMP NOMINEES, PLEDGES 'OPEN-MIND AND AN INFORMED OPINION' FOR CONFIRMATION VOTES

"Fascism, that's not a word that regular people use, you know?" Fetterman said. "I think people are going to decide who is the candidate that's going to protect and project, you know, my version of the American way of life, and that's what happened."

Fetterman has been meeting with Trump's Cabinet nominees, noting that his decision about whether to vote to confirm the candidates will stem from an open mind and informed perspective.

FETTERMAN SAYS DEMS SHOULDN'T 'FREAK OUT' OVER EVERYTHING TRUMP DOES: 'IT'S GOING TO BE 4 YEARS'

"I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump's nominees. That’s why I met with Elise Stefanik and Pete Hegseth, just wrapped with Tulsi Gabbard, and look forward to my meetings with others soon," Fetterman declared in a post on X.

"My votes will come from an open mind and an informed opinion after having a conversation with them. That’s not controversial, it's my job," he continued.

More than a month ago, Fetterman said Democrats cannot afford to "freak out" over everything Trump says or does. He echoed that sentiment on Sunday, again mentioning that Trump has not even taken office yet. 

Fox News' Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report. 

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has suggested that it is his duty to meet with President-elect Donald Trump's nominees, noting that his decision about whether to vote to confirm the candidates will stem from an open mind and informed perspective.

"I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump's nominees. That’s why I met with Elise Stefanik and Pete Hegseth, just wrapped with Tulsi Gabbard, and look forward to my meetings with others soon," Fetterman declared in a post on X.

"My votes will come from an open-mind and an informed opinion after having a conversation with them. That’s not controversial, it's my job," he continued.

FETTERMAN SLAMS LEGAL CASES AGAINST TRUMP, HUNTER BIDEN IN FIRST TRUTH SOCIAL POST: ‘CASES WERE BOTH BULLS---’

Trump has tapped Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Hegseth to serve as secretary of defense, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for the role of director of national intelligence.

While Fetterman has previously noted that he plans to support Stefanik, it is unclear whether he will ultimately back Hegseth and Gabbard for confirmation.

Fox News Digital reached out to request comment from the senator, but a spokesperson did not provide any additional insight into Fetterman's voting plans regarding Hegseth and Gabbard.

FETTERMAN STILL ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTIVE OF STEFANIK FOR US AMBASSADOR TO UN: ‘ALWAYS WAS A HARD YES’

Fetterman has been unflinching in his staunch support for Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack against the U.S. ally.

"Always was a hard YES for @EliseStefanik but it was a pleasure to have a conversation. I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views," Fetterman declared in a post earlier this month.

He has also pledged to support Sen. Marco Rubio's confirmation to serve as secretary of state.

FETTERMAN HAILS RUBIO AS ‘STRONG CHOICE' FOR SECRETARY OF STATE, SAYS HE WILL VOTE TO CONFIRM HIM

"Unsurprisingly, the other team’s pick will have political differences than my own," Fetterman noted in a post on X last month. "That being said, my colleague @SenMarcoRubio is a strong choice and I look forward to voting for his confirmation."

After speaking with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., reaffirmed his support for the congresswoman's nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

"Always was a hard YES for @EliseStefanik but it was a pleasure to have a conversation. I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views," Fetterman said in a post on X.

The senator made the comments when retweeting Stefanik, who shared a photo of herelf and Fetterman doing a double thumbs up for the camera.

FETTERMAN SLAMS LEGAL CASES AGAINST TRUMP, HUNTER BIDEN IN FIRST TRUTH SOCIAL POST: ‘CASES WERE BOTH BULLS---’

"Thank you to @SenFettermanPA for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism," Stefanik said in her post. 

"Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing President @realDonaldTrump's America First peace through strength national security agenda," Stefanik added.

Last month, President-elect Trump announced Stefanik as his choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

FETTERMAN HAILS RUBIO AS ‘STRONG CHOICE’ FOR SECRETARY OF STATE, SAYS HE WILL VOTE TO CONFIRM HIM

Fetterman described Stefanik and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who Trump tapped to serve as secretary of state, as "serious, qualified individuals," indicating last month that he planned to vote in favor of confirming both of them. 

The Democratic lawmaker, an unflinching supporter of Israel, accused the U.N. of "rank, pervasive antisemitism," noting, "I look forward to voting for @RepStefanik to continue a strong and unapologetic pro-Israel position."

After Trump tapped Dr. Mehmet Oz — who lost Pennsylvania's 2022 U.S. Senate contest to Fetterman — to serve as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, Fetterman indicated that he was open to supporting confirmation.

FETTERMAN WOULD BE WILLING TO CONFIRM DR. OZ — ON ONE CONDITION

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"If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude," Fetterman noted.

Business magnate Elon Musk said in a post on X that it is "Hard not to like" Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. 

"He puts country over party," Musk added.

He made the comments in response to footage of Fetterman saying that he admires Musk, who is "involved in very important parts of American society" such as artificial intelligence and SpaceX.

Fetterman said that Musk is "on a different team, but that doesn't make me an enemy." 

FETTERMAN SAYS TRUMP CASE IN NEW YORK WAS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, CALLS FOR PARDON ON ‘THE VIEW’

The Democratic senator said that Musk has "made our economy and our nation better."

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisc., fired back at Musk on X. 

"Bulls---. It is hard to not like what @SenFettermanPA what he says, it is easy to hate how he really votes. Do not fall for this."

FETTERMAN HITS PARTY'S LOSSES AMONG YOUNG MALE VOTERS: ‘IT’S UNDENIABLE THAT DEMOCRATS HAVE LOST A LOT'

President-elect Donald Trump has tasked Musk and former GOP presidential primary contender Vivek Ramaswamy, who self-identifies as a "small-government crusader," with working on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The two entrepreneurs aim to place Washington D.C.'s profligate spending in the crosshairs.

"If we don’t tackle the exponential growth in national debt, there will be no money for anything, including essential services!" Musk warned in a tweet.

In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece last month, they noted, "We will serve as outside volunteers, not federal officials or employees. Unlike government commissions or advisory committees, we won’t just write reports or cut ribbons. We’ll cut costs."

Ramaswamy and Musk met with lawmakers in D.C. on Thursday.

‘WE’RE GOING TO GUT THE FISH': REPUBLICANS GIVE DETAILS FROM CLOSED-DOOR MEETINGS WITH DOGE'S MUSK, RAMASWAMY

"Great discussion today with @elonmusk on his goals for the @DOGE. Looking forward to working together to improve government efficiency and get America back on track," Senate Republican Leader-elect John Thune, R-S.D., said in a Thursday post on X.

"Excellent discussion about solving the national debt crisis," Musk responded.

Outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison defended his party's performance in the 2024 elections this weekend, arguing they were up against a "global" pushback against parties in power.

Harrison, who will not seek another term when Democrats vote on new leadership next year, admitted that his party had trouble connecting with the working class. He nevertheless argued that the outcome of the 2024 elections could have been much worse for the party.

"I can’t tell you how disappointed I am that Kamala Harris is not going to be the next president of the United States," Harrison said. "Although Democrats did not achieve what we set out to do, Trump wasn’t able to capture the support of more than 50% of the electorate and Democrats beat back global headwinds that could’ve turned this squeaker into a landslide."

A slew of Democrats are competing to replace Harrison now that he will not seek another term. The next chair will be chosen by the roughly 450 voting members of the national party committee when they meet at the beginning of February at National Harbor in Maryland for the DNC's winter meeting.

WHO ELSE IS MULLING A BID TO STEER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The long list of candidates seeking to replace Harrison includes former Chicago mayor and current U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, as well as Martin O'Malley, the former two-term Maryland governor. Ben Wikler, who has led the Democratic Party in Wisconsin for five years, has also thrown his hat in the ring.

Other candidates include former New York State assembly member Michael Blake, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and Chuck Rocha, a Democratic strategist who describes himself as "non-college-educated Mexican redneck."

Democrats across the country have speculated as to why the American electorate sided so strongly against them in the 2024 elections. Moderates like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., argued in an interview with the New York Times that the party lost the support of male voters by being "insulting" and condescending.

"Telling them that ‘I know better than you do,’ that’s not helpful," Fetterman said, characterizing the party's message to male voters.

Fetterman recalled a 2016 event where he noted Trump's resonance with male voters and what he deemed a poor party response.

"I was doing an event with the steelworkers across the street where I live, and I was noticing [a] different kind of energy with this, with Trump. It was clear at that time that people were voting for Trump. And the Democrats’ response was, ‘Aren’t they smart enough to realize they’re voting against their interests?’" he said.

"And that’s insulting, and that’s, I mean, that’s, that’s just not helpful. It’s condescending. And if anything, that reinforces that kind of stereotype," he added.

TRUMP VICTORY PROVES IMPORTANCE OF CANDID, LONGFORM PODCASTS AS PLATFORM SHOWED ‘HUMAN SIDE’ OF ONE CANDIDATE

Trump secured a strong majority of the male vote in the 2024 election cycle, making notable strides with Blacks, Latinos and younger male voters in particular.

Throughout the presidential campaign, Democratic Party polling showed support among men flagging, but efforts to reach them with running mate Tim Walz and celebrity surrogates faltered.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser, Gabriel Hays and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Bipartisan backlash erupted in response to news that Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with arrest warrants.

The chamber issued the arrest warrants against the two men "for crimes against humanity and war crimes," according to the ICC.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. – who has been a stalwart supporter of Israel in the wake of the heinous Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack against the Jewish state – responded to the ICC's move in a post on X, writing, "No standing, relevance, or path. F--- that." He capped off the tweet with an Israeli flag emoji.

ICC REJECTS ISRAELI APPEALS, ISSUES ARREST WARRANTS FOR BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, YOAV GALLANT

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., excoriated the ICC, accusing it of ignoring the context of Israel's war effort, which the U.S. ally launched in response to the horrific Oct. 7 attack last year. During the assault, Hamas terrorists committed atrocities including rape, murder and kidnapping.

"The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against the leadership of Israel represents the weaponization of international law at its most egregious. The ICC has set a precedent for criminalizing self-defense: any country daring to defend itself against an enemy that exploits civilians as human shields will face persecution posing as prosecution," Torres declared in a post on X.

"The ICC ignores the cause and context of the war. Israel did not initiate the war. The war was imposed upon Israel by the unbridged barbarism of Hamas on October 7th. Not only did Hamas wage war on Israel, causing the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, it carefully constructed a battlefield designed to maximize the loss of civilian life," he continued. 

NEW YORK DEM WARNS ‘VILIFYING VOTERS OF COLOR AS WHITE SUPREMACISTS’ PUSHES ‘THEM FURTHER INTO TRUMP’S CAMP'

"None of that context seems to matter to the kangaroo court of the ICC, which cannot let facts get in the way of its ideological crusade against the Jewish State. The ICC should be sanctioned not for enforcing the law but for distorting it beyond recognition," the congressman concluded.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, declared in a post, "Enough of this dangerous lawfare against ⁦⁦@netanyahu & Israel. @SenSchumer must stop blocking a Senate vote on my bipartisan (42 Dems joined) House-passed ICC sanctions bill, #HR8282. Vote now!"⁦

Torres was one of the dozens of House Democrats who voted in favor of passing the measure earlier this year.

THUNE THREATENS INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT WITH SANCTIONS IF IT DOESN'T DROP NETANYAHU WARRANT FOR ARREST

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Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., referred to the ICC as "a dangerous joke," declaring in a tweet, "It is now time for the U.S. Senate to act and sanction this irresponsible body."

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he would vote to confirm his former political opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator if Oz plans to protect the government programs. 

"If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude," Fetterman tweeted.

Fetterman defeated Oz, a Republican, in Pennsylvania's 2022 U.S. Senate race.

FETTERMAN CALLS OUT ‘UN’S RANK, PERVASIVE ANTISEMITISM,' SAYS HE LOOKS FORWARD TO CONFIRMING ELISE STEFANIK

"Our politics are obviously different, and we do have a history, but I don’t have any bitterness. I don’t hold anything against him," Fetterman said, according to CNN's Manu Raju. 

President-elect Trump announced Oz as his pick to head the CMS, which falls under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again," Trump said in a statement. "Dr. Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake." 

TRUMP APPOINTS DR. OZ TO KEY HHS POSITION IN NEW ADMINISTRATION

Kennedy, who Trump nominated to helm HHS, hailed the president-elect's decision to tap Oz to serve as CMS administrator.

"Very excited that my friend @DrOz has agreed to run CMS. Thank you ​@realDonaldTrump for this outstanding nomination. Welcome Dr​. Oz to ​The Avengers. ​Let's Make America Healthy Again!" Kennedy tweeted.

Oz said in a post on X that he is "honored" by Trump's nomination. 

"I look forward to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under the leadership of HHS Secretary @RobertKennedyJr," he noted.

PRO-LIFE GROUPS CAUTIOUS ON RFK JR. NOMINATION AFTER EVOLVING ABORTION VIEWS

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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., congratulated Oz, calling him an "excellent fit" for the job.

"His medical background as a cardiothoracic surgeon and public health advocate makes him an excellent fit for this position," Paul said in a tweet.