In a strategic move, ex-President Donald Trump engaged with the influential Teamsters Union on Wednesday, challenging one of the core support systems previously secured by President Joe Biden.
At the union’s Washington headquarters, Trump convened with Teamster leadership, including President Sean O’Brien and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, along with the executive board and members, at an influential roundtable discussion.
Following the session, Trump expressed optimism to the press, indicating his belief that there is a “good shot” of earning the Teamsters’ endorsement — a nod typically aligned with Democratic candidates.
“Though it is unusual for a Republican to secure such an endorsement, I believe we are in an exceptional position,” Trump remarked. He asserted that the union, which represents a broad constituency of American workers, experienced unprecedented growth during his tenure in office. “They had the best four years under my administration.”
The 2020 election saw the Teamsters publicly supporting Biden, who was invited to join a rank-and-file roundtable organized by the union on the same day. His campaign signaled an eagerness to reconnect, with a spokesperson stating, “President Biden is eager to engage with the Teamsters and work towards re-securing their endorsement.”
An air of anticipation envelops both campaigns as they await any public signs of allegiance from the Teamsters, which could sway the outcome of the upcoming election. Biden’s potential engagement with the union on Wednesday was not immediately confirmed.
As the political landscape continues to prepare for the forthcoming elections, the support of major unions like the Teamsters remains a coveted and influential factor in the race for the presidency.