The Teamsters’ political committee made a $45,000 donation to the Republican National Committee, a departure from their usual support for Democrats.
The donation followed a meeting between the Teamsters’ leadership and former President Donald Trump.
While some union members are displeased, Trump remains popular among rank-and-file workers.
Joe Biden wearing a hardhat backward while trying to be 'one of the guys' is so on brand. pic.twitter.com/33yKCHJ7Mr
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 26, 2024
The Teamsters, representing about 1.3 million workers, have historically endorsed Democratic candidates but have not yet endorsed anyone for the 2024 election.
The donation is seen by some as a tacit endorsement of Trump.
“We’ve never done anything like this in my time on the board,” Teamsters executive board member John Palmer said. “I suspect the play is that we’ll have a bit more leverage with the GOP, but it appears like a tacit endorsement of Trump.”
Biden’s actions have drawn mixed reactions from the labor movement.
