Fetterman praises Trump in bombshell GOP convention video

DALLAS — Pennsylvania Sen.

John Fetterman (D) made a bombshell appearance Wednesday night at the GOP convention, in a video praising President Trump and Republican Sen.

Dave McCormick for helping America's steel industry.

Why it matters: Fetterman's stunning turn — a Democratic senator in a supporting role at the GOP's showcase campaign event, fewer than eight weeks before the Nov.

3 midterms — marked a dramatic escalation in Fetterman's growing estrangement from his party.

Fetterman said later in a statement that he isn't switching parties.

But in the video he distanced himself from socialism in the Democratic Party's left wing.

Democrats are certain to see the cameo as political mutiny — and it will supercharge questions about whether he'll ultimately leave the Democratic Party before he's up for reelection in 2028 .

It also was a major coup for Trump, who has long reveled at the idea of winning over former Democrats to his side.

If Fetterman were to eventually switch parties, it would make Democrats' uphill battle to take control of the Senate much more difficult.

They currently need to flip four seats, including some in red states, to win a majority.

Behind the scenes: In the video, Fetterman introduced McCormick, who also represents Pennsylvania.

McCormick helped arrange Fetterman's appearance, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

McCormick has courted and been friendly with Fetterman for months.