Ronald Reagan wasn’t last union member on presidential ticket

Donald Trump’s Union Membership and the Importance of Organizing

When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016 and 2020, he was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). However, during a recent campaign event in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz emphasized the significance of the right to organize and form unions.

Walz spoke about the importance of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which aims to restore the rights of workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. The crowd responded positively to this statement, highlighting the strong connection between union membership and the strength of the middle class.

During his speech, Walz proudly revealed his own union membership as a former member of his state’s teachers union. He asserted that the ability to collectively bargain and form unions with fellow workers has been integral to the development of the middle class. Walz’s statement prompted discussions about whether he was the first union member on a presidential ticket since Ronald Reagan.

The Truth About Union Membership

Contrary to popular belief, Tim Walz is not the first union member on a presidential ticket since Ronald Reagan. In fact, former President Donald Trump was a member of SAG-AFTRA during both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

Understanding SAG-AFTRA and Union Membership

SAG-AFTRA is a renowned labor union that represents a diverse range of professionals in the entertainment industry, including broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, recording artists, and actors. Trump’s affiliation with SAG-AFTRA dates back to 1989, with his involvement in various TV shows and films such as “The Apprentice,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and more.

However, following the events of January 6, 2021, SAG-AFTRA initiated a disciplinary hearing to investigate Trump’s alleged violations of the union’s constitution. In response, Trump resigned from the union in early February 2021 and was subsequently banned from renewing his membership.

On the other hand, Tim Walz remains an active member of the National Education Association (NEA), representing teachers across the country. It’s worth noting that Ronald Reagan, who served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild of America for seven terms, also had a significant union background.

As we navigate through the complexities of union membership and its impact on national politics, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with the evolving dynamics of labor rights and collective bargaining.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.