AFT President Weingarten Criticizes Trump’s Divisive Inaugural Speech

WASHINGTON — AFT Leader Responds to President Trump's Inauguration Speech

Following President Trump's inauguration address, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed her disappointment in a public statement.

Weingarten remarked, “I’m really sad that President Trump, at the apex of his career, again missed the opportunity to bring America together.” She emphasized the importance of unity, particularly for public school educators and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to their roles. “Americans—including the public school educators who put their hearts every day into teaching the next generation, and the healthcare professionals whose care may be the difference between life and death—are good people. They need a president who builds on the nation's ingenuity, moxie and diversity—a president who helps all people in our great country thrive,” she stated.

Criticizing the divisive nature of the speech, Weingarten said it demonstrated that Trump is “the president of only some Americans.” She stressed the need for a leader who unites and builds on America's strengths.

Addressing those in the labor movement and public education, Weingarten reiterated their mission of advocating for opportunity and dignity for all Americans. “Those of us in the labor movement and in public education are fighting for opportunity and dignity for all Americans. We share a commitment to lifting up everyone—the strivers and the strugglers—to a better life,” she added.

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The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents 1.8 million members, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school-related personnel. It also includes higher education faculty and professional staff, federal, state, and local government employees, as well as nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.