Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), delivered a scathing critique of President Donald Trump during the union's conference in Washington, D.C. Weingarten, a vocal opponent of the president, characterized Trump's actions as authoritarian and urged educators to mobilize against his agenda in upcoming elections.
During her keynote address, Weingarten derided a White House event, referencing the July 4th celebration as a "cage match." She also suggested that Trump's frequent political actions and rhetoric contribute to a sense of chaos that prompts people to disengage, even leading to a desire for a drink. "Whether you consider him an authoritarian or not — is the throwing out of so much stuff that people just throw up their hands and say: ‘Oh no, what are we going to do? All I want to do is stay home and’ — for those of us who drink – ‘have a glass of wine’ — or for me, some vodka," Weingarten stated.
Weingarten drew parallels between Trump's behavior and what she described as the "convulsion nearing death" of a snake, referencing a speech by Sen. Raphael Warnock. She expressed confidence in the AFT's ability to effect change, emphasizing the power of collective action among union members, particularly those in swing states.
"Yes," she boomed, "The other side has power. But this is what they don’t have: the power of the people," Weingarten declared, highlighting the potential for teachers and activists to "work together, to bargain together, to protest together, to vote together, to act together, to bring about change."
She also invoked a vision of an inclusive America where individuals of diverse backgrounds feel welcome and safe, naming "the trans nurse, the Palestinian teacher, the Jewish student and every person, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender or place of origin."
Weingarten also criticized conservative groups focused on school choice, mentioning reporter Christopher Rufo and the Heritage Foundation. She concluded her remarks with a defiant assertion of the union's effectiveness, stating, "And one more thing: We get s--- done," before offering a lighthearted apology "to the children."
