The International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ political action committee poured $45,000 into the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) convention fund last month, a significant departure from the union’s history of donating primarily to Democrats.
The Teamsters PAC, officially known as Democratic, Republican and Independent Voter Education, allocated the donation on Jan. 25, according to federal election filings reviewed by Fox News Digital. The donation comes weeks after former President Trump, the clear front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, met with Teamsters Chairman Sean O’Brien, and just days before their second meeting.
Teamsters spokeswoman Kara Deniz said in a statement that the donation was approved in December, prior to two meetings between the union and Mr. Trump. She added that this is the first time in more than 20 years that the Teamsters will participate in both the Republican and Democratic conventions.
“The Teamsters contributed $45,000 to the Democratic and Republican convention funds, the first time since 2000 that our union has participated in both conventions,” Deniz told Fox News Digital in an email. Told. “At Teamsters, every member’s voice is heard, regardless of party affiliation.”
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Former President Trump (left) met twice with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien last month. (Getty Images)
“At-large members of Congress have been active on the ground at both conventions this year, ensuring elected officials understand Teamster issues and listening to the challenges facing working people in this country. “I’ll make sure,” she continued.
The donation is likely to raise eyebrows as President Trump continues to vie for the Teamsters’ support. After his most recent meeting with O’Brien on Jan. 31, Trump told reporters that the conversation had been productive and that the union typically supports Democrats, but “something strange happened.” , added that rank-and-file union members generally support Trump.
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The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which supported current President Biden in 2020, is one of the largest labor unions in the United States. Although its overall membership has declined slightly in recent years, it still reports just under 1.3 million members, according to its latest filing with the Department of Labor.
Former President Trump speaks with reporters at the International Teamsters headquarters in Washington, DC, on January 31st. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“Our members want to hear from all candidates from all parties about what they plan to do for working people as president,” O’Brien said in a statement last month. “The Teamsters are essential to every trade and industry in this country. Our members are active in all 50 states and represent all political backgrounds, including affiliation.”
“Our union wants all candidates to know that there are 1.3 million Teamsters across the country, and their votes are not taken for granted. Workers’ voices are It must be heard.”
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According to the Federal Election Commission, the maximum contribution a multi-candidate PAC can make to the national party committee’s treasurer is $45,000, meaning the Teamsters PAC has reached its RNC convention fund contribution cap. .
In recent months, he has donated $45,000 to various funds at the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
