Watchdog Accuses BMWED-IBT of Steering $13.8 Million to Democrats, Spending $18 Million Questionably
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 20
Watchdog Accuses BMWED-IBT of Steering $13.8 Million to Democrats, Spending $18 Million Questionably
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 20
Summary
American Accountability Foundation alleged BMWED-IBT leaders used union resources to back Democratic causes hostile to Trump while misaligning with a 37,000-member rail union whose rank and file reportedly lean MAGA.
About $13.76 million from the Teamsters D.R.I.V.E. PAC tied to the union went to Democratic Party committees versus roughly $729,846 to Republicans, while the report also cited $441,098 sent to progressive groups and more than $100,000 to the National Democratic Club.
From 2017 to 2024, the report said BMWED-IBT spent more than $18 million, including $7.25 million on hotels and conferences, $2.11 million on travel and $2.33 million at casinos and resorts.
The watchdog also said roughly two-thirds of headquarters employees made six figures in 2024; it listed President Tony Cardwell at $233,492 and Secretary-Treasurer Dale Bogart at $206,709, versus average member pay of $61,692.
Cardwell rejected the allegations, saying the union has run a budget surplus since 2022, no dues money funds political lobbying, and support goes to lawmakers of either party who back rail workers; the union has recently worked with Republicans on rail-safety bills.