Randi Weingarten’s Use of Union Funds for Book

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reportedly utilized substantial union resources for her recent book, raising questions about the appropriateness of those expenditures. An analysis has revealed that Weingarten and her team secured over $1.4 million from labor organizations to assist in this endeavor.

The book titled “Why Fascists Are Afraid of Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy” has come under scrutiny, with allegations suggesting that Weingarten not only advanced her progressive agenda through its publication but also profited from the endeavor, as claimed by the Freedom Foundation.

Among her collaborators was an attorney who allegedly worked for free on the project but whose firm received nearly $1 million from AFT for various services. Additionally, a “ghostwriter” reportedly earned over $400,000 from the union for their contributions.

The union also allocated over $11,000 to two individuals responsible for fact-checking and photography for the book, which the publisher promoted as a significant “manifesto for our time.”

“Most AFT members pay dues in exchange for workplace representation, not to finance the literary projects of union leaders,” remarked Maxford Nelsen from the Freedom Foundation.

Nelsen continued, expressing concerns about the extensive funding used for hiring consultants, lawyers, and agents for the book’s publication. He suggested that Weingarten might not have invested anything personally into the project.

In terms of her compensation, Weingarten received $469,442 from the AFT, which represents 1.8 million members across various local affiliates. She has acknowledged sharing some royalties with the union and its affiliated nonprofit organizations.

The book has sparked debate, particularly because critics allege it posits President Trump as a fascist, with references to historical figures such as Hitler. In her writing, Weingarten states, “Teachers and education have always been attacked by those desperate to dismantle democracy…” drawing parallels to past persecutions under authoritarian regimes.

Weingarten has denied claims that she accused Trump or his administration of being fascists, stating that her intent was to discuss fascist behavior instead.

The Freedom Foundation based its findings on AFT’s financial report, examining data from mid-2024 to mid-2025. The report also pointed out that Weingarten highlighted trade union consultant Sally Cohn as a vital contributor, who was paid over $400,000 in consulting fees—significantly more than in previous years.

There are further allegations regarding Weingarten’s acknowledgment of fact-checker Emily Krieger, who received $6,000 for her work and has acknowledged her role on her website.

AFT also disclosed payments for legal support, amounting to approximately $977,000, which included costs related to Weingarten’s book production, though she insists that some of that work was done pro bono.

The union has indicated it spent over $64,000 on publication expenses through InkWell Management, with Weingarten being one of their clients. Despite there being no specific itemization in AFT’s reports, it’s noted that numerous AFT members contributed to this project.

“The financial details surrounding travel and other promotional costs for Weingarten’s book have not been fully transparent,” Nelsen pointed out.

Weingarten has claimed that part of the book’s proceeds will benefit AFT’s initiatives, although a portion also went to a company she controls, raising further questions. The Freedom Foundation has noted that this entity lacks any public visibility.

In her defense, Weingarten described the Freedom Foundation’s analysis as a “fishing expedition,” asserting that any book profits were meant to be split equally with the union. “This operation proves my point that fascists are indeed afraid of teachers,” she stated, emphasizing the need for advocates in education to promote critical thinking.

The Freedom Foundation, characterized as a conservative think tank, aims to challenge the influence of leftist union leaders. Weingarten previously led the United Federation of Teachers in New York City.