A major transportation union invested millions into Democratic-aligned political activity while also pouring member funds into leisure and recreational events, according to a report first obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The American Accountability Foundation report alleges SMART-TD poured money into Democratic candidates and liberal groups while spending heavily on entertainment, travel, casinos and resorts. The report also argues the spending shows union leadership is out of step with the purportedly “MAGA” blue-collar workers it represents.
SMART-TD represents nearly 230,000 rail, bus and transit workers and is part of the Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
The report noted that SMART spent more than $35 million on political advocacy from 2017 to 2024. It found that that no spending went to Republican-aligned groups, while over a million dollars went to Democratic Party organizations and even more went to left-wing interest groups.
AAF President Tom Jones told the Daily Caller News Foundation the spending shows union leaders are out of step with the workers they represent.
