International Federation of Truck Drivers Announced For the first time since 1988, he announced that he would not endorse any presidential candidates.
The union will decide whether to accept the results of the members' vote. Overwhelmingly He refused the Democratic Party's endorsement.
“I've employed thousands of Teamsters, so I thought we should come out here and pay our respects.”
In an electronic vote by union members after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, 59.6% of union members said they should support Trump, while just 34% said they should support Harris. In phone surveys after the two conventions, 58% of union members said they should support Trump, while just 31% said they should support Harris.
“We urge all of our members to vote in the upcoming election and remain engaged in the political process,” Teamsters Chairman Sean O'Brien said in a statement, “But this year, no presidential candidate has received the endorsement of the Teamsters International union.”
The surprising decision is seen as a victory for former President Donald Trump's efforts to pull unions away from the Democratic Party.
The former president met with labor leaders in January to try to garner their support, and in July the Teamsters president gave an inspiring speech at the Republican National Convention.
“Typically, you don't get that kind of support from Republicans,” Trump said in January, “but not me. I've employed thousands of Teamsters, and I thought we should come and pay our respects.”
President Trump's selection of Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate was also seen as an attempt to win the support of labor unions, given Vance's support for tariffs and protectionist economic policies.
“In the short time that we worked together, he did a great job on the Teamsters issue,” O'Brien told Fox News. “He addressed every issue that we had head on.”
The union also contributed $45,000 to the caucuses, marking the first time in 24 years that the Teamsters have made such a contribution.
A spokesperson for the Harris campaign released a statement about the Teamsters' decision.
“As the vice president told the Teamsters on Monday, if elected president she's going to look after the rank and file Teamsters no matter what, because she always has and always will fight for the Teamsters,” said Lauren Hitt.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas used the ruling to attack Democrats on the issue of illegal immigration.
“Teamsters, and all workers, know that a President Kamala would bring in tens of millions of illegal immigrants and drive down American wages. A vote for President Trump is a vote for more pay,” he said. Written About X.
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