Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has voiced his support for pardoning former President Donald Trump over a business records conviction, calling both Trump's and Hunter Biden's legal cases politically motivated, marking the lawmaker's first post on Truth Social.

Fetterman, who previously aligned with more progressive views, has increasingly expressed more centrist positions, including advocating for a pardon for Trump in relation to his conviction for the 2017 business records issue tied to payments made to Michael Cohen, as Newsmax reports.

The payments were part of a nondisclosure agreement with adult entertainer Stormy Daniels, and they were classified as a “legal expense,” eventually leading to criminal charges.

Fetterman criticized the prosecution of both Trump and Hunter Biden as politically driven, further suggesting these legal battles only deepen division within the country.

Fetterman’s First Post on Truth Social

In his initial post on the Truth Social platform, Fetterman condemned both the Trump and Hunter Biden cases, stating, "The Trump hush money and Hunter Biden cases were both bullsh**, and pardons are appropriate."

His remarks underscore his belief that the legal cases against both individuals were weaponized for partisan purposes, ultimately eroding public trust in governmental institutions.

Fetterman also pointed to the broader consequences of such cases, noting that they increase societal division and reduce faith in the nation’s legal systems.

"I think that it's undeniable that the case against Hunter Biden was really politically motivated, but I also think it's true that the trial in New York for Trump was political as well," Fetterman said during a segment on ABC's The View.

This statement emphasized his view that both cases were unfairly driven by political motivations rather than impartial justice.

Fetterman’s Stance on Israel and Other Shifts

Fetterman’s comments also reflect a growing tendency to moderate his political views. He has distanced himself from far-left positions by expressing support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, a stance that further aligns him with centrist and conservative perspectives.

Politico reports that Fetterman is the first Democrat senator to join Truth Social, a platform launched by Trump himself. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly given Fetterman’s earlier progressive alignment.

Calls for Pardon from Other Democrats

Fetterman’s position on the Trump pardon is not entirely unique within the Democratic Party. Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democratic presidential challenger to Joe Biden, also publicly urged New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to pardon Trump, emphasizing the potential benefit to national unity. "Pardon him for the good of the country," Phillips tweeted, echoing Fetterman’s call for reconciliation over partisan legal battles.

However, Fetterman’s call for a pardon carries additional weight due to his role as a sitting senator, marking a notable shift in his political rhetoric.

He reiterated his concerns during his appearance on The View, explaining how politically charged legal cases undermine the public’s confidence in critical institutions.

The Legal Reality of Pardons

It is important to note that neither President Joe Biden nor Donald Trump has the authority to grant a pardon in the case related to the president-elect's New York conviction. The power to grant a pardon in that case lies with Hochul. Despite this limitation, Fetterman and some others within the Democratic Party are using their platforms to push for a pardon, arguing it would help heal divisions within the nation.

As the national debate over Trump’s legal battles continues, Fetterman’s evolving political views could signal a shift in how some Democrats approach contentious issues. His support for Trump’s pardon and condemnation of politically motivated legal cases might appeal to both moderates and those frustrated with partisan divisions. However, how these views will impact his political career and influence fellow Democrats remains to be seen.

Impact of Fetterman’s Views on the Democratic Party

In the coming months, as the 2024 elections draw nearer, it will be interesting to observe whether more Democrats, particularly those with national political influence, adopt similar positions on Trump’s legal matters.

Fetterman’s actions represent a notable example of a Democrat stepping away from traditional party lines in favor of a more centrist approach to resolving political conflicts.