Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, is set to make history by speaking at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee. This marks the first time a Teamsters general president will address the RNC, highlighting a significant political shift.
Confirmation And Implications
A Teamsters representative confirmed O’Brien’s participation at the RNC. The confirmation raises questions about President Joe Biden‘s long-standing connection with organized labor and threatens to seriously undermine his claim of being the most pro-union president in history. (RELATED: ‘Sit Down! You’re A United States Senator!’ Fistfight Nearly Breaks Out On Capitol Hill)
Trump’s Support For Working Americans
Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for O’Brien’s decision. “Our GREAT convention will unify Americans and demonstrate to the nation’s working families they come first,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “When I am back in the White House, the hardworking Teamsters, and all working Americans, will once again have a country they can afford to live in and be respected around the world.”
Biden’s Union Support Under Scrutiny
This development comes after Biden made history himself by joining the picket line during the United Auto Workers (UAW) union strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis last October. It was the first time a sitting president had done so. The UAW endorsed Biden in January, with President Shawn Fain targeting Trump in his remarks.
“This choice is clear. Joe Biden bet on the American worker while Donald Trump blamed the American worker,” Fain said. “We need to know who’s gonna sit in the most powerful seat in the world, and help us win as a united working class.” (RELATED: Congress Investigating Massive Union Boss Scheme To Use Billions In Pension Funds To Push Corporate Socialism)
Teamsters’ Political Position
As of now, the Teamsters have not endorsed a presidential candidate for the upcoming election. In 2020, the powerful labor organization supported Biden, but O’Brien’s upcoming speech at the RNC signals potential changes in their political alliances.
Politico further reports on the repercussions from the organization that appears to be distancing itself from the Democratic Party:
The Teamsters are perhaps the most politically influential of the handful of national labor unions that have yet to endorse a presidential candidate, and O’Brien said that they intend to announce their choice sometime after this summer’s conventions.
Trump has been keen on cutting into Biden’s — and other Democrats’ — advantage with the union vote, and driving a wedge between labor leadership and rank-and-file members.
At times, Trump has traded barbs with high-profile union leaders like the United Auto Workers’ Shawn Fain — who endorsed Biden and was a guest at this year’s State of the Union address — while touting economic policies the former president believes would appeal to autoworkers and other working-class voters.
O’Brien has asked to speak at both party conventions but has not heard back from the Democratic National Committee.
“Our 1.3 million members represent every political background, and their message needs to be heard by as wide an audience as possible, and that includes all political candidates running for elected office,” a Teamsters spokesperson said. ““We appreciate former President Trump’s openness to inviting a labor leader to speak on behalf of working families.”
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