On Wednesday, Donald Trump met with one of America’s largest unions as he seeks the support of labor groups in anticipation of a potential general election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in November.
Trump had a meeting with the leadership and some rank-and-file members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which boasts a membership of 1. 3 million. This meeting took place shortly after the former Republican president expressed his frustration at not receiving the endorsement of another significant union, the United Auto Workers.
Trump stated that if elected, he would block Japan’s Nippon Steel (5401. T) from proceeding with its planned $14. 9 billion acquisition of U. S. Steel (X. N). “I would block it instantaneously. Absolutely,” he declared.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump’s meeting with the Teamsters, who represent truck drivers, dockworkers, airline pilots, government employees, and various other sectors, took place. This meeting occurred at a time when the economy is a central focus, and unions, including the Teamsters, have experienced a resurgence in the United States, securing significant new contracts.
In the general election battleground states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, both Trump and Biden are expected to focus on targeting union votes. Trump has strengthened his hold on the Republican presidential nomination with consecutive wins in Iowa and New Hampshire this month.
After the meeting, Trump expressed skepticism about whether the Teamsters leadership would endorse him. It is worth noting that they had previously endorsed Biden before the 2020 election. However, Trump asserted that he enjoyed strong support among the union’s rank-and-file members.
Trump stated that his pledge to impose tariffs on Chinese goods and reduce the flow of illegal immigrants across the U. S.-Mexico border is supported by many union members. “I have had extensive experience with unions throughout my life, and I maintain a strong relationship with them,” Trump claimed. “We had a productive discussion.”
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien stated that the union had a positive and productive meeting with Trump, but it may take several months before they decide on an endorsement. O’Brien acknowledged that Biden has supported union members in the past but emphasized the importance of knowing what he will do for them in the future. The union is currently considering which presidential candidate to endorse for the upcoming November election.
Just two hours before the scheduled meeting, the Trump campaign released a list of pledges by Trump, claiming that his policies will benefit U. S. workers. These pledges include tariffs on Chinese imports, a move that many economists say will harm U. S. workers and consumers. Additionally, the pledge to close the U. S.-Mexico border is another action that economists warn will have a negative impact on American manufacturers.
The Biden campaign stated, “The President looks forward to meeting with the Teamsters and earning their endorsement.” Union endorsements could play a crucial role in a closely contested presidential race, where a small number of votes in key states could determine the outcome of the 2024 election.
Since his first presidential campaign in 2016, Trump has gained increased support among blue-collar workers. This year, he is once again promising them that he, rather than Biden, will bring economic improvements to their lives. Biden, on the other hand, refers to himself as the most pro-union president in history and has taken numerous pro-labor actions. In fact, the Teamsters endorsed him in 2020.
Last week, Biden received an endorsement from the leadership of the United Auto Workers (UAW), a labor group with a membership of almost 380, 000. This endorsement is significant as the UAW is an influential group in the Midwest, which is a crucial election battleground. Additionally, Biden will be visiting Michigan on Thursday to meet with UAW members at a union hall in the Detroit area.
UAW President Shawn Fain stated that Biden has a history of serving the working class, contrasting it with Trump’s actions that go against their values. Fain specifically mentioned Trump’s appearance at a non-union hall during the auto workers strike last year. He referred to Trump as an anti-union “scab.”In response, Trump expressed his anger on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. He referred to Fain as a “stiff” and a “dope,” while urging auto workers to vote for him instead of Biden in November.
Adam Clark
Adam Clark AKA “Ruckus” is the host and producer of The Daily Ruckus, a news and opinion based podcast that started out as a hobby but eventually became a regular show featured on Alternate Current Radio.
A self-described Jack-of-all-trades, he is a business and marketing consultant, graphic designer, webmaster, content creator, media analyst, and prolific commentator. Adam’s interests are in cryptohistory, media, current events, science & technology, and avoiding contact with sharks.
