Teamsters report first main GOP donation in years, stunning Republicans

One in every of America’s strongest labor unions has reported its first main donation to Republicans in 20 years after assembly with former President Trump final month, however the social gathering has but to obtain the cash, a supply says.

Why it issues: The Teamsters‘ $45,000 donation to the Republican Nationwide Committee’s conference fund, per FEC stories, comes as Trump and President Biden vie for blue collar assist in key swing states forward of this 12 months’s election.

• The reported contribution just isn’t an endorsement. However it’s a robust assertion from a union that is supported each Democratic presidential nominee since Al Gore.
• It represents the Teamsters’ first large donation to the RNC since 2004, the Washington Publish stories.

Sure, however: The social gathering has neither acquired a test from the union nor heard something in regards to the contribution coming, a supply conversant in the RNC tells Axios.

• The Teamsters didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The massive image: The union’s PAC made the donation on Jan. 25, in keeping with Federal Election Fee knowledge.

• Earlier that month, Trump met with Teamsters president Sean O’Brien behind closed doorways.
• The previous president additionally participated in a public roundtable assembly with the union on Jan. 31.
• “We had a really sturdy assembly with the Teamsters,” Trump reportedly mentioned on the time, including that he believes he has a “good shot” at notching the union’s endorsement.

Between the strains: Biden, who has lengthy promised to be “essentially the most pro-union President” in U.S. historical past, has already scored the UAW’s endorsement.

• As each candidates put together for a rematch of the 2020 presidential race, assist from union members is more likely to be important in states similar to Michigan and Pennsylvania that might determine the election.

Actuality test: The Teamsters nonetheless overwhelmingly give to Democrats.

• O’Brien has mentioned the Biden administration has “been nice for unions,” per the Publish.
• The union’s PAC despatched $30,000 to the DNC.

Go deeper: Personal sector unionization charges really grew in 2023

Editor’s notice: This story has been up to date with remark from a supply saying the RNC has not acquired the donation.