In a historic address at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Teamsters Union President Sean O’Brien unequivocally praised former President Donald Trump. His speech marked the first time the head of the traditionally Democrat-leaning organization has spoken at a GOP convention in the group’s 121-year history.
Trump made an unexpected appearance at the convention on Monday, less than 48 hours after narrowly surviving an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Wearing a white bandage on his injured ear, an emotional Trump emerged to the live strains of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.”
O’Brien, who is scheduled to speak at the conventions of both major parties this year, took the stage about 10 minutes later. The union leader commended former President Trump for his bravery following the assassination attempt and referred to him as a “tough SOB.”
“I think we all can agree; whether people like him, or they don’t like him, in light of what happened to him on Saturday… he has proven to be one tough S.O.B,” O’Brien said while pointing to the former president, drawing one of the loudest and most positive responses of the evening.
WATCH:
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien addressed the RNC for the first time in the union’s 121-year history.
He called Trump “one tough SOB” following the (thankfully) failed assassination attempt.
This is truly historic. pic.twitter.com/BFCQISk0Ja
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) July 16, 2024
During his speech, O’Brien also thanked the GOP for inviting him to speak while also singling out a number of Republican lawmakers who he says have been standing with American and union workers. “First, I want to thank the hard-working Teamsters and union members here in Milwaukee who play vital roles in the building and operations of this convention. I also want to thank President Donald Trump for opening the RNC’s doors to the Teamsters Union and invited me to speak before you tonight,” he said.
“I travel all across this country and meet with my members every week. You know what I see? An American worker being taken for granted. Workers being sold out to big banks, big tech, corporates in the elite. And I’m not the only one who sees this. Every day families see it,” the union leader continued. “The American people aren’t stupid. They know the system is broken. We all know how Washington is run. Working people have no chance of winning this fight. That’s why I’m here today. Because I refuse to keep doing the same things my predecessors did.”
O’Brien singled out Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance, and others for their help with union issues. “In my administration, the Teamsters reached out to eight Republican senators who stood up for railroad Teamsters over our fight for paid sick leave. Josh Hawley was one of them,” O’Brien said, drawing applause.
“We started talking. Senator Hawley changed his position on national right to work. Then we started walking. Senator Hawley walked a Teamsters picket line in St. Louis and a UAW picket line in Wentzville, Missouri. More than that, I want to recognize Senator Hawley for his direct, relentless, and pointed questioning of corporate talking heads, lawyers, CEOs, and apologists,” the Teamsters chief said.
