Business group criticizes Trump's choice of Teamsters president to speak at Republican convention

In a surprising move, Sean O’Brien, the president of the Teamsters union, is set to speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month, a decision that could potentially impact Joe Biden's support among blue-collar workers leading up to the November election. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, announced O’Brien's acceptance of the invitation on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing working families in his message. This marks the first time a Teamsters general president will address the RNC, highlighting the union's significant representation of over a million members in various sectors. The Teamsters spokesperson confirmed the unprecedented nature of O’Brien's appearance at the RNC, stating that the union's diverse membership backgrounds necessitate their message reaching a broad audience, including all political candidates. O’Brien has also requested to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago the following month, showcasing a balanced approach in engaging with political platforms. While the Teamsters endorsed Biden over Trump in the 2020 election, O’Brien, who assumed leadership in March 2022, has not publicly endorsed a candidate for the current election cycle, maintaining a neutral stance. The decision to have O’Brien speak at the RNC has stirred controversy within the union's progressive members, particularly after his private meeting with Trump earlier this year. Despite this, O’Brien emphasized the ongoing efforts required to strengthen unions and advocate for working families. Biden, who initiated his re-election campaign at a union-supported rally last June, has garnered endorsements from unions like the United Auto Workers (UAW) following his visible support during their strike against major car manufacturers. As the RNC approaches on July 15, where Trump will be nominated as the GOP candidate, O’Brien's presence signifies a strategic move to engage with a diverse political landscape and amplify the voices of working Americans.