NEA president labels Trump a ‘dictator’ at an event for progressive activists

Teachers’ Union Leader Faces Backlash After Remarks on Trump

The head of the country’s largest teachers’ union is encountering criticism after labeling former President Donald Trump a “dictator” during a recent conference call with left-wing activists advocating for political unrest and organizing.

Becky Pringle, who presides over the National Education Association (NEA), participated in a Zoom meeting last week organized by the Sunrise Movement, named “Roadmap to Political Revolution.” This gathering aimed at countering the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and promoting phone banking efforts targeting Trump and progressive congressional candidates.

“It’s my honor to introduce Becky Pringle, President of the NEA,” said Al-Shiny Ajayi, executive director of the Sunrise Movement and former member of Students for Justice in Palestine. “There’s no way we can stop fascism without organized labor.”

During her speech, Pringle explained how the NEA harnesses its 3 million members and numerous local branches to “advocate,” “mobilize,” “litigate,” and “elect individuals” in relation to its political objectives.

“This administration views the NEA as one of its main targets,” Pringle asserted, also referring to Trump as a “dictator.” She expressed that “dictators always seek educators,” emphasizing the role of teachers in encouraging students to “question and analyze” the world around them.

Pringle went on to call for the current administration to stop implementing “cruel and callous policies” and avoid scapegoating immigrants to divert attention from more pressing community issues.

She claimed that ICE instills “fear and trauma” within schools by monitoring neighborhoods near schools and pursuing school buses. “They’ve even assaulted and restrained educators and students on school grounds. Educators witness this damage daily,” she added.

The Sunrise Movement, known for its leftist agenda, is committed to compelling the government to dismantle the fossil fuel industry and foster investment in marginalized communities while creating unionized jobs.

The group’s connections have raised eyebrows, particularly within the House Judiciary Committee, which expressed concerns over its relationship with Antifa. A letter noted that the Open Society Foundations had contributed “at least $2 million” to the Sunrise Movement, referencing the group’s ties to more radical elements.

“It’s alarming that the leader of such a significant teachers’ union, intended to represent the interests of its members, would engage in an event that advocates for dramatic changes in the political landscape and collective activism,” remarked Micah Hackner from the North American Values Institute. He posed the question of whether it’s odd that activist teachers are present in classrooms amid these circumstances.

In recent months, there has been significant coverage regarding the alleged far-left extremist activities of teachers unions, including the NEA. Some educational experts suggest that reconsidering the NEA’s federal charter could be warranted.

A whistleblower from the NEA reported that the organization’s focus has shifted away from addressing the needs of students and teachers and is now primarily aimed at advancing a radical agenda.