AFT President Weingarten Criticizes Trump's Address to Congress

AFT President Critiques Trump's Congressional Address

WASHINGTON—Following President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed strong criticism of the speech in an official statement.

Weingarten described Trump's vision as "dark" and "dystopian," focusing on a divided nation with "winners and losers" rather than promoting "opportunity and freedom for all." According to Weingarten, the President failed to present a constructive plan for helping everyday Americans improve their situations. Key issues such as education, affordable living, and the American dream were notably absent from his address. Additionally, he omitted discussion on pressing concerns like housing, child care, healthcare, and grocery costs, while endorsing cuts to essential government programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Weingarten accused Trump of "betraying the working people he promised to help," noting that his administration has not taken steps to reduce living costs. She highlighted the trade war and misleading statements about Social Security fraud as indicators of potential financial hardships for average Americans.

The statement further emphasized the challenges faced by Americans in managing basic expenses, with Weingarten asserting, "With Trump, the rich will get richer and the rest of us will pay the price."

Despite these challenges, Weingarten conveyed a message of resilience and action, noting that educators, students, and parents across the United States participated in over 2,000 "Protect Our Kids" events. These gatherings were organized to oppose proposed cuts to public school funding intended to finance tax reductions for the wealthy. Weingarten concluded with a call to unity, stating that "Community, not chaos, is our best hope for the future."

The AFT represents a diverse membership of 1.8 million individuals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, school-related personnel, higher education staff, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.