(DailyChive.com) – In a surprising move, the Teamsters’ political arm donated $45,000 to the Republican National Committee (RNC), according to federal records. This departure from their usual support for Democrats, including President Biden, highlights shifting alliances within organized labor.
Federal records show the union sent the maximum allowable contribution from its political action committee (PAC) to the RNC on the same day Trump met with Teamsters leaders for the second time last month. This financial gesture contrasts with the $135,000 sent to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in December and a $15,000 donation in March.
However, an RNC official, speaking anonymously, said the committee neither received a check nor heard from the Teamsters regarding the donation.
The move to support the RNC comes when the committee faces fundraising challenges, exacerbating tensions for unions historically aligned with Democratic policies supporting workers’ rights. The union’s overture to the GOP coincides with Trump’s continued popularity among many rank-and-file members, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Following a meeting at the Teamsters headquarters in Washington, D.C., Trump expressed optimism about securing the union’s endorsement. Nonetheless, Teamsters chief Sean O’Brien praised the Biden administration’s support for unions, signaling a cautious evaluation of both candidates.
Meanwhile, O’Brien’s engagement with Trump has sparked internal dissent, with some left-leaning members criticizing the dialogue with a figure they perceive as hostile to labor interests.
Amid these discussions, executive members of the Teamsters board received a proposal to greenlight the contribution to the RNC.
The Teamsters, representing approximately 1.3 million UPS and transportation workers, wield significant influence in electoral politics. However, they have yet to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024. This strategic delay contrasts with the broader trend among unions, many of whom endorsed Biden early in the election cycle.
O’Brien emphasizes the need to evaluate all candidates, reflecting the diverse political views within the union’s membership. The recent contribution to the RNC marks a break from the union’s customary spending patterns, being their first significant donation to the RNC since 2004, according to records from Open Secrets.
Copyright 2024, DailyChive.com
