Hannity Apologizes to Sen. Fetterman, Says He 'Had You All Wrong'

Fox News host admits he misjudged the Pennsylvania Democrat after meeting at Mar-a-Lago.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:41pm

Fox News host Sean Hannity publicly apologized to Sen. John Fetterman on his podcast, admitting he had the Democrat "all wrong" about his character after an initial meeting at Mar-a-Lago with former President Donald Trump. Hannity detailed how he realized his previous criticisms of Fetterman were misguided after their conversation, and the two discussed partisanship, Fetterman's independent streak, and putting country over party.

Why it matters

Hannity's apology and acknowledgment that he misjudged Fetterman highlights the political divisions and tensions that often exist between ideological opposites, even at the highest levels of media and government. The candid discussion between the Fox News host and the Democratic senator also demonstrates a willingness to engage in open dialogue, which can help bridge partisan gaps.

The details

During Hannity's podcast "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," the Fox News host detailed how he met Fetterman at Mar-a-Lago while the senator was visiting former President Trump. Hannity said he initially told Fetterman, "You should hate me, I'm an a--hole," but then realized he had the Democrat "all wrong." Fetterman responded that he doesn't hold grudges and is always willing to have these types of conversations. The two then discussed Hannity's previous criticism of Fetterman during the 2022 Senate race against Dr. Mehmet Oz, with Hannity acknowledging he "really thought you were somebody you're not."

  • Hannity and Fetterman met at Mar-a-Lago while the senator was visiting former President Trump.
  • The podcast episode featuring Hannity's apology to Fetterman was recorded and published on March 17, 2026.

The players

Sean Hannity

A Fox News host who hosts the primetime show "Hannity" and has a podcast called "Hang Out with Sean Hannity."

John Fetterman

The Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who won the 2022 Senate race against Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who hosted Fetterman for a private dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Everything I thought about you – and I really believed it – it was wrong.”

— Sean Hannity, Fox News Host

“Whenever there's an opportunity, I'm always going to pick what's the right thing for the country – [regardless of] whatever the party demands.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

“I really thought you were somebody you're not. I did not know you.”

— Sean Hannity, Fox News Host

What’s next

Hannity and Fetterman's candid discussion on the podcast demonstrates a willingness to engage in open dialogue across party lines. It remains to be seen if this type of bipartisan cooperation and understanding can continue to grow in the current political climate.

The takeaway

Hannity's public apology to Fetterman and acknowledgment that he misjudged the senator highlights the importance of setting aside partisan differences and preconceptions to have meaningful conversations. This exchange shows that even political adversaries can find common ground when they approach discussions with an open mind.