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One of America’s oldest railroad unions is under fire for allegedly promoting Democratic policies despite having a membership that largely supports former President Donald Trump, according to a new watchdog report.
The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) claims the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) leadership has “betrayed” its pro-Trump members by endorsing the Harris-Walz presidential ticket in 2024 and maintaining close ties to prominent Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown.
While the union has occasionally shown bipartisan engagement, including applauding Vice President JD Vance’s support for the Railway Safety Act earlier this year, the report highlights a pattern of criticism toward Trump-era policies. BLET leadership has reportedly opposed Trump administration positions on transportation regulations, immigration enforcement, and the conservative Project 2025 agenda, while simultaneously praising Biden administration initiatives.
“In the lead-up to the 2024 election, BLET issued 14 tweets that criticized the actions of the first Trump administration while praising the Biden administration’s railroad policies,” according to the AAF report. “The messaging was clearly intended to skew union members toward the Democratic presidential ticket.”
The financial activities of the union have also come under scrutiny. The report alleges that BLET spent more than $26 million on political activities in recent years, with 99% of party committee donations going to Democratic candidates and causes. In 2016, the union reportedly donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee during Hillary Clinton’s campaign but provided no financial support to the Republican National Committee.
This political spending pattern continued even as industry trends showed growing support for Trump among blue-collar workers. The report cites Teamsters polling showing 60% of members favored Trump over Harris, and 2024 exit polls indicating that 56% of working-class voters without college degrees supported Trump, compared to 42% for Harris.
The disconnect between leadership and membership extends beyond political contributions, according to the watchdog group. The report claims that millions in member dues have been spent on lavish accommodations and events, including over $2 million at “casinos and resorts.”
“While it’s bad enough that BLET spent over $5,000,000 on hotels and conferences, even more concerning is the fact that the union spent over $2,000,000 on casinos and resorts alone,” the report states. “The union appears more concerned with staying at entertaining destination resorts than they do being thrifty with their members’ dues.”
Executive compensation at the union has also raised questions. Multiple top officials reportedly earn over $200,000 annually, with the union president and vice president each making more than $300,000 per year—salaries significantly higher than those of the rank-and-file railroad workers they represent.
This situation reflects a growing divide in American labor politics, where traditional union leadership remains aligned with Democratic causes while their membership increasingly leans conservative. The phenomenon has become more pronounced in industrial and transportation sectors, where economic concerns and cultural issues have shifted worker allegiances.
“The men pulling America’s freight voted for President Trump because they believe in secure borders and putting American workers first,” AAF President Tom Jones said in a statement. “But their union bosses are busy living large on member dues and carrying water for the Left. They’ve turned a blue-collar brotherhood into a woke political machine.”
When contacted for comment, a BLET spokesperson dismissed the allegations, stating: “We do not comment on false press releases by dark money groups who have no accountability to the truth.”
The controversy highlights the evolving relationship between organized labor and political parties in America. Historically strong ties between unions and Democrats have weakened in recent years as Republicans have made inroads with working-class voters on issues like trade, immigration, and manufacturing jobs. The tension within BLET represents a microcosm of this national political realignment, with potential implications for both labor organizing and electoral politics moving forward.
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6 Comments
This highlights the tensions that can arise when unions engage in politics. While they have a right to endorse candidates, prioritizing one party over the other risks alienating a significant portion of the membership. A more balanced, inclusive approach may be warranted.
It’s a complex situation where political affiliations and union responsibilities can clash. The report raises valid concerns about the union’s perceived bias, but more context is needed to assess the full picture. Balancing diverse member interests is an ongoing challenge for labor groups.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific allegations and how the union leadership has responded. Misuse of funds is a serious issue that needs to be thoroughly investigated. Unions play a vital role, but must uphold integrity and serve all members equitably.
This is an interesting development. While unions should represent all their members, it’s concerning if they are neglecting or alienating certain political views. Transparency and fairness are important for any organization, especially one representing workers.
The alleged ties between the union leadership and Democratic politicians are concerning if true. Unions should maintain political independence and focus on advocating for workers’ interests, not partisan agendas. Transparent governance and accountability are crucial in these situations.
The report raises some serious allegations that merit further investigation. Misuse of funds and political bias within a union are troubling issues that could undermine worker representation. Restoring trust and ensuring the union serves all members equitably should be the priority.