Teamsters withhold Presidential Endorsement as Internal Polling Reveals Majority Support for Trump

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced on Wednesday that it will not endorse a presidential candidate for the first time in nearly 30 years, citing internal polling that reveals a majority of its members support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien stated that neither candidate secured necessary commitments to prioritize union interests over corporate interests, particularly regarding the right to strike and support for critical union campaigns. The internal poll, conducted after President Biden withdrew from the race, found that about 60% of members favored Trump, while 34% supported Harris.

Following the announcement, the Trump campaign emphasized the strong backing from rank-and-file Teamsters, highlighting the union's significance in swing states. While the Teamsters have historically endorsed Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in recent elections, they last supported a Republican in 1988.

O’Brien previously indicated a potential neutrality this election cycle, focusing on candidates’ commitments to American workers rather than party affiliation. Despite the lack of formal endorsement, the Teamsters' internal data indicates shifting dynamics within the union, reflecting a growing support for Trump among members.