Walz voices frustration with Trump's gains among union workers

Democratic vice presidential hopeful and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday admitted that he is frustrated with former President Donald Trump's gains among union workers, after the Democrats failed to secure endorsements from two unions.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) unions both declined to endorse a presidential candidate this election, which is considered a major blow to Democrats. The lack of endorsements also comes despite the Biden-Harris administration's touting themselves as the most pro-union administration in history.

Teamsters' decision to sit out of the presidential election occurred after polls showed members of the union overwhelmingly preferred Trump. 

The Minnesota governor shared his frustration during a podcast with host Will Arnett. Arnett questioned how Trump and the GOP were able to "fool" union members, who have been increasingly supporting Trump since 2016, per Politico. 

“Well, yeah,” Walz said on the SmartLess podcast. “The rank-and-file union members is one thing. The leadership in unions, that's more political than what I'm doing right now. They have to cover their butt on their things. And I'm as frustrated as you are on this.”

Walz admitted that despite his frustration, it was also on Democrats for not promoting their ideas effectively.

“I don't think that's the full blame on it. Certainly, Donald Trump is a master of manipulation, a master of what new media looks like,” Walz said on the podcast. “But I do think there's some ways in, ‘What are we not doing to appeal to those rank [and file union members]?”

The governor added that if he's a teacher and most of the class fails an exam, it's partly his fault for not teaching the subject well. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.