The president of the Teamsters union, Sean O’Brien, has requested speaking slots at both the Republican and Democratic national conventions. This comes at a time when both President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump are seeking support from rank-and-file members of organized labor.
Unlike other influential umbrella unions that have endorsed Mr. Biden for the 2024 election, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, led by Mr. O’Brien, has yet to make a presidential race endorsement. Mr. O’Brien has indicated that a decision will be delayed until later this year.
Kara Deniz, a spokeswoman for the Teamsters union, confirmed that Mr. O’Brien has expressed interest in speaking at both the Republican convention in Milwaukee in July and the Democratic convention in Chicago in August. Speaking at both conventions would be unusual in the current political climate.
Throughout the year, Mr. O’Brien has invited several presidential candidates, including Mr. Biden, Mr. Trump, and independent candidates, to speak before the Teamsters. While other unions like the A.F.L.-C.I.O. and the United Automobile Workers have endorsed Mr. Biden, Mr. O’Brien appears to have a developing relationship with Mr. Trump.
The Teamsters, with 1.3 million members in sectors such as trucking and manufacturing, hold significant influence. Mr. O’Brien’s openness to the former president contrasts with the U.A.W. president’s criticism of Mr. Trump.
Mr. O’Brien met with Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, before the Iowa caucuses that set the former president on a path to securing his party’s nomination. The Teamsters made contributions to both Republican and Democratic convention funds to ensure their members’ voices are heard.
Mr. Biden, who has emphasized his support for labor, made inroads with working-class voters in the Rust Belt states in the 2020 election. Mr. O’Brien’s presence at the Republican National Convention would be advantageous to Mr. Trump, who often emphasizes his relationships for political gain.
Despite not endorsing a candidate, Mr. O’Brien’s potential appearance at the Republican National Convention could benefit Mr. Trump. The Teamsters endorsed Mr. Biden in 2020, but their support came late in the campaign.
Representatives for both the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee did not respond to inquiries about Mr. O’Brien’s speaking slot. The Biden campaign also did not address whether Mr. O’Brien will speak at the Democratic convention.
Kevin Munoz, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, emphasized President Biden’s commitment to American workers and union jobs. He criticized Mr. Trump’s record on workers’ rights and expressed confidence in earning the Teamsters’ support.
Mr. O’Brien, elected president of the union in 2021, has members in southern states who support Mr. Trump. Despite his personal relationship with the former president, Mr. O’Brien’s willingness to engage with Republicans may resonate with his members.
