Report Reveals Union Funds Used for Book Criticizing Trump

Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reportedly allocated hundreds of thousands in union funds to write a book that characterizes President Donald Trump as a fascist. Moreover, her team is said to have received over $1.4 million from labor groups, according to a recent report.

The Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank, released a document claiming that Weingarten’s book utilized union resources to confront what it describes as the entrenched power of left-leaning government unions, which advocate for greater government, increased taxes, and radical social reforms. The book, titled Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy, also reportedly allowed Weingarten to retain a portion of the earnings.

An investigation shared by a media outlet alleges that Weingarten’s team included a lawyer who received $977,000 for various duties within the union, despite claims that he worked on the book pro bono. Additionally, a “ghostwriter” reportedly earned $400,000, while two individuals responsible for fact-checking the content each received $11,000.

Maxford Nelsen, the Freedom Foundation’s director of research and government, commented, “Most AFT members pay dues for workplace representation, not to support the literary projects of union presidents.” He went on to note that it seems AFT spent substantial members’ dues on consultants, lawyers, and agents for the book.

The publication was advertised as a “manifesto for our time” and stirred discussions for insinuating that Trump embodies fascism, with Weingarten even making comparisons to Hitler in the text. She wrote, “Teachers and education have consistently faced attacks from those aiming to undermine democracy, pluralism, and opportunity. This tactic is hardly new. In the 1930s, figures like Hitler and Mussolini targeted educators and sought control over educational content.”

Weingarten, who reportedly receives an annual salary of $469,442 from AFT, has refuted claims of labeling Trump a fascist, asserting instead that she was addressing fascist-like behaviors.

The Freedom Foundation’s conclusions stem from AFT’s LM-2 financial report submitted to the federal government for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The union counts 1.8 million members and spans around 3,000 affiliates.

The report stated that Weingarten acknowledged sharing royalties with the union and its nonprofit affiliates. In response to the claims, she called the report a “fishing expedition” driven by right-wing groups but confirmed that profits from the book would be “divided equally” between her and the union.

Weingarten remarked, “This desperate fishing operation by a far-right group that won’t disclose its donors only demonstrates the point made in my book that fascists fear teachers.” She emphasized the need for educators who advocate publicly on behalf of public schools, reiterating satisfaction in collaborating fully with the union on the project and affirming equality in sharing the proceeds.