Watchdog report alleges railroad union funds Democratic causes, criticizes spending
8 reported
A watchdog report from the American Accountability Foundation (AAF) alleges that leadership of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED-IBT), a major railroad union, used union resources to support Democratic causes and spent millions on expenses the report describes as questionable. The report claims the union’s political alignment represents a “stunning betrayal” of its members who support President Trump and the MAGA agenda. BMWED-IBT President Tony D. Cardwell pushed back, stating the union has operated at a budget surplus since 2022 and that political donations come only from a voluntarily funded PAC. The report also examined the union’s spending, alleging more than $18 million was spent from 2017 to 2024 on items including hotels, legal fees, and casinos. This is a single-source story based on the AAF report and the union’s response as reported by Fox News Digital.
What’s reported
The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) released a report alleging BMWED-IBT leadership funneled union resources to support Democratic causes.
The report describes the union’s leadership as having a “leftward bent” and cites attacks on Trump during his first term.
The report alleges the union sent more than $441,098 to left-wing organizations, including the Center for American Progress and the National Democratic Club.
The report claims the union’s Teamsters D.R.I.V.E. PAC donated about $13.76 million to Democratic committees and about $729,846 to Republican committees.
The report alleges roughly two-thirds of headquarters employees earned six-figure salaries in 2024, while the average BMWED-IBT member earned $61,692.
The report alleges BMWED-IBT spent more than $18 million from 2017 to 2024, including $7.25 million on hotels and conferences, $5.44 million on legal fees, and $2.33 million at casinos and resorts.
BMWED-IBT President Tony D. Cardwell said the union has operated at a budget surplus since 2022 and that no dues dollars are allocated to political lobbying.
Cardwell said the union has collaborated with Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley, on rail safety legislation, and that its relationship with President Trump has been strengthened.
Key figures
Tony D. Cardwell, President of BMWED-IBT
Dale Bogart, Secretary-Treasurer of BMWED-IBT
Tom Jones, President of the American Accountability Foundation
Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García, D-Ill., and Dina Titus, D-Nev.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.
President Donald Trump
Vice President JD Vance
Sources: foxnews.com
