Retired autoworker Brian Pannebecker, founder of Auto Workers for Trump, attributes the surge in their membership to outrage over President Biden's green agenda and its impact on auto manufacturing.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News Digital, Brian Pannebecker, the founder of Auto Workers for Trump, shared his insights on the factors shaping the political landscape for union workers in the automotive sector.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
Pannebecker, a retired autoworker with over 36 years of experience at Ford and Chrysler, established the pro-Trump group in 2017. Initially starting with 30 members, it has since grown into a significant force within the union landscape.
According to Pannebecker, the group's rapid expansion can be attributed to the growing discontent among autoworkers over the Biden-Harris administration's policies, particularly the administration's focus on green initiatives.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
"We think it's all a farce," Pannebecker said, referring to the Green New Deal. He believes that the American consumer is not ready to embrace electric vehicles and that the government's insistence on promoting EVs over internal combustion engines is leading to job losses and unsold EV inventories.
Pannebecker also credits former President Donald Trump with reinvigorating the automotive industry by renegotiating NAFTA and disincentivizing the offshoring of union jobs. He believes that the Democrats and some previous Republican administrations failed to address the issue of job outsourcing, which Trump's actions rectified.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
The Auto Workers for Trump movement has united behind two primary issues: the federal push toward electric vehicles and the impact of green regulations, including mileage standards and offshoring, on the auto industry.
Pannebecker expressed strong opposition to Vice President Kamala Harris, citing her support for legislation that would phase out non-electric vehicles by 2035. He characterized her as a "liberal attorney from California" who lacks an understanding of manufacturing and the economy.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan whose family business operates in the automotive supply sector, echoed Pannebecker's concerns. He believes that liberal politicians do not comprehend the needs of workers and are imposing "comply-or-die" mandates that negatively impact the automotive industry, the state's economic backbone.
James warned that the green regulatory push could lead to mass layoffs in the auto industry, a concern shared by Pannebecker. He praised Pannebecker's work in mobilizing autoworkers and raising awareness about the potential consequences of the Biden administration's policies.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
As word of Auto Workers for Trump's growing influence spread, its members began making stops at major parking lots outside auto plants in the Detroit area. Pannebecker and his team engage with workers during shift changes, answering their questions and distributing materials.
Despite initial concerns about repercussions from the UAW leadership, Pannebecker reports that the group has been successful in attracting new members and engaging with a large number of workers. He believes that union workers are increasingly supportive of Republican candidates, including former President Trump.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
Pannebecker acknowledges that union workers have traditionally been a key Democrat voting bloc, but he believes that trend is shifting as the Republican Party, under Trump's leadership, appeals to their concerns.
In response to growing pro-Trump sentiment among union workers in areas like Pennsylvania's Anthracite Coal Region, President Biden has visited key locations to connect with laborers and highlight his own pro-union credentials.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
In the trucking industry, Pannebecker also observes a growing pro-Trump sentiment driven by similar concerns about the economy, outsourcing, and green policies. He credits Teamsters President Sean O'Brien for having an open mind and speaking at the Republican National Convention.
Despite UAW leader Shawn Fain's endorsement of Kamala Harris, Pannebecker believes that many UAW members disagree with his politics. He attributes Fain's election to the negotiation of a favorable contract but notes that his political views are not aligned with the membership's.
Auto Workers for Trump: Green Push and Regulations Driving Labor Support for GOP
Auto Workers for Trump plans to continue targeting major plants in Michigan to spread its message. Pannebecker predicts that Trump will carry the vote of the UAW membership in the 2024 election.
