Teamsters' PAC gives its first large donation to RNC in years
NBCFeb 27
Teamsters Won't Endorse in 2024 Presidential Race
Above: Teamsters president Sean O'Brien speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Image copyright: Bloomberg/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest labor unions in the US with 1.3M members, Wednesday announced it will not be endorsing anyone for the 2024 presidential election.
In addition, the Teamsters released a national electronic poll showing that its rank-and-file members favor former Pres. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, 59.6% to 34%.
The Spin
Republican narrative
This is a de facto endorsement for Trump and a disaster for Harris. The Teamsters' polling showed loud and clear that the rank-and-file want their union to endorse Trump because the former president is the only candidate who will stand up and fight for them. O'Brien can ignore the will of his members, but Trump won't forget them.
Democratic narrative
Harris and Pres. Joe Biden have formed the most pro-union administration in US history, while Trump's anti-labor policies are well-known. Still, O'Brien is hedging his bets. Embarrassingly for him, many local and state affiliates have voiced their support for Harris.
