The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a major U.S. union, has opted to remain neutral in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, marking a significant deviation from its past endorsements of Democratic candidates.
According to Fox News, this decision follows a revealing poll where nearly 60% of the Teamsters supported former President Donald Trump.
In an interview on "Gutfeld!" former President Trump expressed his surprise and satisfaction over the Teamsters’ shift in political support. He highlighted the importance of the poll conducted among actual union workers, emphasizing their direct involvement in the decision-making process.
Trump's appeal among the Teamsters is particularly significant considering the union's longstanding alignment with Democratic candidates since 1980. The union's general president, Sean O'Brien, stated that neither major candidate had secured overwhelming support among their members, nor demonstrated a strong commitment to the union's priorities.
During his appearance, Trump noted the historical nature of this support. "It's been many, many years since they supported a Republican or did this," he said, referring to the union's significant backing. Bob Bartels, a New York City union official and former Democrat, discussed on "Fox & Friends" why he shifted his support from the Democrats to Trump. He criticized the current administration's handling of various national issues, including immigration and economic policies, which he believes have directly impacted the working class negatively.
The Trump campaign was quick to capitalize on this shift. A statement under the title "Union Workers Support President Donald Trump," showcased a significant lead of over 25 points against Vice President Kamala Harris in both online and phone surveys among Teamsters. Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, emphasized that the Teamsters' desire to see Trump re-elected was a testament to his support for the working class.
According to Leavitt, "These hardworking men and women are the backbone of America and President Trump will strongly stand up for them when he’s back in the White House."
On the other hand, the Harris campaign responded by highlighting her strong union credentials and ongoing endorsements from numerous Teamsters locals. Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, contrasted Harris' labor-friendly policies with Trump’s alleged stance on striking workers.
In a statement shared with Fox News, the Harris campaign pointed out, "While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career."
The Teamsters Union, with over a million members across various swing states, holds a significant influence in the electoral process. Their decision to withhold an endorsement could reshape campaign strategies, particularly in key Midwestern battlegrounds.
The union's neutral stance this election cycle underscores a broader sentiment among some labor groups that neither candidate has sufficiently addressed their concerns about big business influence.
This development could signal a shift in political loyalty among traditionally Democratic-aligned unions. If this trend continues, it could have lasting implications on future election campaigns and party strategies, especially among blue-collar voters.
With the teamsters’ backing potentially up for grabs, both campaigns might need to adjust their approaches to unionized workers, focusing more on economic policies and direct engagement with the union’s base. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the Teamsters' non-endorsement serves as a pivotal moment, reflecting broader uncertainties and shifting allegiances within the U.S. labor movement.
