‘It’s astonishing:’ Fetterman likens Trump’s impact in Pennsylvania to Taylor Swift

SUMMARY

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) recently acknowledged President Trump’s intense popularity in Pennsylvania, likening his impact to that of pop icon Taylor Swift. In an interview with the New York Times, Fetterman noted the prevalence of “Trump superstores” selling merchandise like t-shirts and hats across the state, saying that Trump’s influence "has taken on its own life." He described the support as “astonishing,” adding that Trump’s reach in Pennsylvania goes beyond traditional political backing, resonating deeply with a demographic Democrats have struggled to connect with. Fetterman, acknowledging the GOP’s successful voter engagement, referenced Trump’s influence as unique in the state, especially following what he referred to as an “assassination attempt” on Trump while he was campaigning. Fetterman emphasized that this moment only strengthened Trump’s “special place” in the minds of Pennsylvanian voters, a factor Democrats must contend with heading into the election.