Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) open-minded approach to President-elect Trump is fueling questions about his motives and vexing some of his fellow Democrats.

In the wake of Trump’s victory in November, Fetterman has emerged as a critic of his own party’s messaging, while also signaling a willingness to entertain some of the incoming administration’s policy ideas.

The Pennsylvania senator drew praise from Trump himself after the two men met last week. Fetterman had already become a lightning rod among progressives thanks to his embrace of Israel, and his recent actions are further adding to his polarizing reputation in the party, where some see him positioning himself for a bigger national presence.

“I wouldn’t 100 percent rule out that maybe or slightly there is some thinking about different or future opportunities,” said Eddie Vale, a longtime Democratic strategist.

Others are even less certain why Fetterman has taken some of his recent positions.

“There’s no telling with any certainty what Fetterman’s motivations are. I do political analysis, not psychoanalysis,” said Norman Solomon, a progressive strategist and founder of the activist network RootsAction. “But clearly, he has been moving rightward.”

Less than a week until inauguration, the sit-down at........

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