Donald Trump is set to engage with members of the Teamsters Union in Washington Wednesday afternoon, eyeing an expansion of his voter base as he gears up for a potential rematch against President Joe Biden in the general election.
The former president will convene in a roundtable discussion with the union’s executive board, president, and rank-and-file members. His aim is to appeal to the blue-collar workers pivotal to his 2016 victory, particularly in critical Midwestern swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan.
While union voters historically lean Democratic, with 56% backing Biden in 2020 according to AP VoteCast, Trump seeks to erode that support. He portrays himself as pro-worker, highlighting longstanding tensions between union leaders and members.
Trump recently urged members of the United Auto Workers to dislodge their president, Shawn Fain, after the group endorsed Biden. “Shawn Fain doesn’t understand this or have a clue,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network. “Get rid of this dope & vote for DJT. I will bring the Automobile Industry back to our Country.”
Among the topics slated for discussion are middle-class decline, wages, antitrust, bankruptcy, and union rights.
Teamsters president Sean O’Brien emphasized the importance of candidates addressing workers’ concerns. “Our union wants every candidate to know that there are 1.3 million Teamsters nationwide whose votes will not be taken for granted,” he said.
Biden, who touts himself as the most labor-friendly president in history, awaits his session with the Teamsters, hoping to secure their endorsement. O’Brien previously met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, discussing issues like right-to-work laws and posing for a photo op. While Trump supports unions, O’Brien expressed reservations based on past actions.
Under Trump’s presidency, the National Labor Relations Board reversed key rulings benefiting unions and the Supreme Court, bolstered by Trump nominees, overturned pro-union decisions. Despite the Teamsters’ endorsement of Biden in 2020, O’Brien stressed the union’s diverse membership and independent voting patterns.
Trump’s outreach to the Teamsters underscores the significant portion of the union’s membership that supports him, reflecting a broader trend of unions demanding candidates prove their commitment to workers’ interests.
In a bid to sway autoworkers, Trump previously visited Michigan, criticizing Biden’s electric vehicles push during a strike. However, Fain endorsed Biden, calling Trump a “scab.” While Biden enjoys endorsements from major unions, Trump continues efforts to broaden his support base ahead of the 2024 election.
