INTERNACIONAL
Largest public-sector unions spent eye-popping amount on left-wing politics — 86% funded by member dues
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
EXCLUSIVE: The country’s four largest public-sector unions spent a combined $915 million on elections and progressive political activism during the 2024 election cycle, 86% of which came from member dues.
The Commonwealth Foundation, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit promoting free-market policies, highlighted the massive political spending by the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in a new report released this week.
The foundation published a similar report during the 2022 election cycle that found all four of these unions spent $708 million on progressive politics,
The report’s findings, particularly that 86% of the unions’ nearly $1 billion in political spending stems from membership dues, underscore criticism that these entities work more to push a political agenda than support their members.
FEDERAL PROBE DEMANDS CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION EXPLAIN MISSING FINANCIAL AUDITS SINCE 2020
«What they’re doing when they’re making these political investments is they’re trying to get people into office that will raise taxes and increase the size and scope of government,» public sector unions expert Aaron Withe told Fox News Digital. «That’s the way that it’s been working for decades. That’s why you see the government grows every single year. That’s why you see taxes go up most every year as well.»
Withe, a critic of both public- and private-sector unions, said private-sector unions at least have an incentive structure based on a company’s or industry’s bottom line, but public-sector unions, Withe argued, are incentivized by raising taxes and growing government.
«When you look at union spending in politics, you have to remember that their goal — their primary purpose is a business — so they’re there to grow revenue. They’re there to gain more revenue than the year previously,» Withe pointed out. «The difference with the government union is that that revenue comes from public employees. And the way that you hire more public employees is by raising taxes on the private sector so that you can hire more bureaucrats.»
David Osborne, senior director of labor policy for the Commonwealth Foundation and co-author of the report, said «the big question» from his report is whether rank-and-file union members are aware of how their money is actually being spent.
«Years ago, [union members] could expect union executives to use dues to drive member services, including contract negotiations and grievance processing,» Osborne said. «Now, union members are unwittingly propping up left-leaning candidates and progressive causes like abortion, critical race theory and defunding the police.»
MY TEACHERS UNION CALLS IT REPRESENTATION. I SAY THERE ARE $114 MILLION REASONS TO SUE THEM
Presidents of the nation’s two largest teachers unions, pictured above, Becky Pringle, left, of the National Education Association, and Randi Weingarten, right, of the American Federation of Teachers. (Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for March For Our Lives)
According to the Commonwealth Foundation’s report, the findings show that approximately 25% of the group’s total spending — or $642 million — goes toward «representational activities,» which the report describes as «the spending category most closely tied to membership support.» Meanwhile, the unions also spent about a combined 33% of their total spending — or $845 million — on general overhead, union administration, staff benefits and other cost categories «linked to basic operations.»
But spending on elections and progressive political activism surpassed both those categories. Collectively, the unions spent around $755 million on federal elections and national progressive politics, while their state-level affiliates combined to spend another $160 million on state races and ideological causes. Of that spending, $650 million, or 86%, originated from union membership dues, according to the Commonwealth Foundation.
The report notes the unions also collect voluntary political action committee (PAC) deductions from members and their families, which allows the unions to collect money that can then go directly to candidates, something that is not supposed to be done with members’ dues money. The union’s federal PAC spending accounted for 14% of the group’s political spending, according to the report.
Protesters gathered at the D.C. Human Resources office in the Navy Yard neighborhood in Washington Sept. 1. (Fox News Digital/Emma Woodhead)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«Government unions’ heavy use of membership dues money for politics — more than what they collectively spent on representational activities — underlines a disturbing trend: the growing, overt reliance by union officials to spend member dues rather than political action committee funds on their political and ideological agendas,» the Commonwealth Foundation says in its new report.
«Yet, much of this spending is possible only because of the lack of accountability and control over what powerful union executives do with members’ dues. Union dues, not the separately collected PAC funds, are the overwhelming power behind — 86 percent — of union political spending.
«Few members are aware that union leaders launder much of their dues through super PACs and 527s to back political projects. Even fewer members can effect change within their union to stop it.»
Fox News Digital reached out to the NEA, AFT, SEIU and AFSCME for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.
labor unions,democratic party,democrats elections,politics,taxes
INTERNACIONAL
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
An Iranian refugee held at gunpoint at school before fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution is calling for hope, democracy and prayers for his homeland as the U.S. joins Israel in targeting Iran’s ruling clerical regime.
David Nasser, now an American pastor, spoke to Fox News Digital six days after Operation Epic Fury was launched in Iran, which reignited haunting memories for him and of the time when he was 9 years old.
«As a child, my family and I were forced to escape Iran and run for our lives,» Nasser, President and CEO of David Nasser Outreach recalled.
«We found safe harbor as refugees granted political asylum here in the United States,» Nasser said, describing how his father had been a high-ranking officer in Iran’s military, meaning «his family became targets as the government collapsed.»
«One of my most vivid memories of realizing that nothing was ever going to be the same again was at a school assembly on a military base — a soldier called out three names and mine was called first,» he said.
David Nasser fled Iran when he was 9 years old during the 1979 revolution. (David Nasser)
«When I got to the front, the soldier dropped a piece of paper, took a gun out of his holster and put it to my head and quoted the Quran. He told me that he was sent to make an example out of me,» Nasser added.
The principal intervened, but the message he relayed was unmistakable. Nasser recalled.
«They’re killing everybody who’s anybody. They’re trying to make an example out of people like our family, and they’re using fear,» he remembered hearing at the time.
«That’s one of my first memories of the revolution, but really just being completely scared for my life.»
Soon after, Nasser’s family devised an escape plan. They would pretend Nasser’s mother needed emergency heart surgery in Switzerland and buy round-trip tickets to avoid raising suspicion.
«We bought round-trip airline tickets like we were going and coming back, but we weren’t coming back. We were running for our lives,» he said.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
David Nasser recalled a school assembly on a military base when a soldier called out his name and put a gun to his head. (David Nasser)
At the airport, Nasser remembers gripping his father’s hand tightly and hearing words he will never forget.
«‘If they find out we’re escaping, they’re going to kill us right here on the spot,’ my father said as his hands shook, holding mine. The last time I was in Iran, I was a 9-year-old little boy running for my life,» he said.
Now, watching events unfold in Iran from the safety of the U.S., Nasser said his heart remains with millions of desperate Iranians facing uncertainty.
«We see them — I see them, I hear them. My heart is beating really fast for them right now with hope and with prayers for their protection and their provision,» Nasser said.
«Protection. I’m praying for protection for them. I want to be a part of the provision for them. If Iran transitions from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to help rebuild.»
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING
Pastor David Nasser fled Iran as a child and urges hope during the U.S. military campaign in Iran. (David Nasser)
«If this moment actually comes, and they go from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to be a part of the solution — for that 9-year-old little boy that I once was. I want to do this for him.»
Beyond political change, Nasser, who is also teaching pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, said he takes solace in what he describes as spiritual transformation already underway, calling it «the fastest-growing church in the world right now or the underground church in Iran.»
«We know there’s at minimum 4 million, at maximum 8 million Christians right now in Iran,» he said.
«In Iran, if you convert from Islam to Christianity, that can be a death sentence. If they come into your home, and you’re gathering for Christian worship, they will take your home title, you will lose your home.
«They’re in prison. They’re being tortured. They’re being ridiculed. They’re being mocked.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«Above all, I came to America, and it was a land of opportunity. And I was given the gift of democracy. So, I would love to see democracy in Iran, where all the boys and girls are afforded what I was afforded when I managed to escape.»
Related Article
war with iran,iran,donald trump,middle east,christianity religion,ali khamenei,christianity
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, will not seek reelection, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber.
Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, plans to retire at the end of his term, opening up his seat in Big Sky Country as Republicans look to keep their grip in the upper chamber. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The lawmaker said in a video statement that after «much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection.»
He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that for the last 13 years, she «has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.»
«And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference,» he said.
With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS’ EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP
President Donald Trump takes questions from the media during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana Secretary of State. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent.
Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social.
«Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators,» Trump said. «He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.»
OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., arrives to a caucus meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill on May 10, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three Democrats are also running on the opposite side of the primary field: Alani Bankhead, Reilly Neil and Michael Blackwolf.
A spokesperson for the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told Fox News Digital in a statement that «Republicans’ midterm prospects are so bleak in 2026 that yet another Senator is running for the hills.»
«Steve Daines is joining more and more of his colleagues in deciding to throw in the towel rather than defend their toxic record,» they said. «This news is the latest flashing warning sign to all GOP senators: Your jobs are not safe, retire or lose.»
Daines’ departure comes on the heels of Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, who earlier this week announced he plans to retire from the House.
Zinke cited several undisclosed surgeries stemming from injuries he suffered as a Navy SEAL.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes,» Zinke said.
His open primary has already attracted several Montana Republicans, including Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and conservative radio host Aaron Flint, who swiftly earned the endorsements of Zinke and Trump.
Related Article
montana,elections state and local,senate elections,republicans,politics
INTERNACIONAL
De los autos blindados al ataúd dorado: así fue el imponente funeral del líder narco «El Mencho» en México
El último adiós a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, estuvo lejos de la ostentación habitual de los grandes capos narcos.
El líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), uno de los criminales más buscados del mundo, fue despedido en un cementerio moderno de Zapopan, bajo un operativo militar que incluyó vehículos blindados y un despliegue de seguridad pocas veces visto.
Leé también: El dramático testimonio de una turista que vivió el operativo contra “El Mencho” en México
El cuerpo de Oseguera, por quien Estados Unidos ofrecía una recompensa de 15 millones de dólares, fue entregado el sábado a sus familiares por la Fiscalía General.
Desde Ciudad de México lo trasladaron a Guadalajara para velarlo y sepultarlo, en una tumba a ras de tierra, a solo cinco kilómetros de uno de los estadios que serán sede del Mundial 2026.
El ataúd dorado de Nemesio «El Mencho» Oseguera en el cementerio Recinto de la Paz en Zapopan. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Un funeral blindado y casi anónimo
Desde el domingo, la casa funeraria donde velaron a “El Mencho” estuvo rodeada por un fuerte dispositivo de seguridad.
Militares, guardias nacionales y policías controlaron cada movimiento, interrogaron a todos los que se acercaron y evitaron la llegada de curiosos.
Familiares de Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias as «El Mencho,» asisten a su funeral. (Foto: Reuters).
Sin embargo, el desfile de flores no se detuvo. Grúas cargadas de arreglos monumentales —algunos en forma de cruces, alas de ángeles y hasta un gallo, en honor a la pasión por las peleas del narco conocido como “El señor de los gallos”— llegaron de manera casi anónima, sin destinatario visible.
Finalmente, fueron necesarias cinco grúas para trasladar todos los arreglos florales que le enviaron a la familia del narcotraficante mexicano.
(Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
La ruta hacia el cementerio se mantuvo en secreto hasta último momento por cuestiones de seguridad.
Solo unas ocho personas vestidas de negro y con lentes oscuros, presuntos familiares, acompañaron la carroza blanca que llevaba el ataúd dorado.
El convoy fue escoltado por una decena de vehículos militares y de la Guardia Nacional, además de motos policiales que abrieron paso hasta el camposanto. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, murió en un operativo de las fuerzas mexicanas en Jalisco (Foto: EFE).
Música norteña y un último adios
En el cementerio, custodiado por el Ejército mexicano, solo permitieron el ingreso a quienes demostraron tener asuntos en el lugar.
El féretro dorado fue llevado a una capilla, donde una banda de música norteña interpretó narcocorridos inspirados en la vida de los capos. El Mencho era conocido como «el señor de los gallos». (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Tras una ceremonia de casi una hora, el ataúd volvió a la carroza y fue llevado a la tumba. Una veintena de personas de luto acompañó el entierro, mientras sonaba una canción con la frase: “Ya muerto voy a llevarme no más un puño de tierra”.
A diferencia de otros narcos, “El Mencho” no descansará en un mausoleo lujoso, sino en una tumba sencilla, a ras de la tierra, en un cementerio vecino a una instalación militar.
El Mencho fue enterrado en una tumba al ras de una tierra. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Violencia y venganza tras la muerte de “El Mencho”
La muerte de Oseguera, ocurrida el domingo 22 de febrero durante un sorpresivo operativo federal en un country de Tapalpa, Jalisco, desató una ola de violencia.
Miembros del CJNG lanzaron ataques coordinados en 20 de los 32 estados mexicanos, con bloqueos, incendios y atentados contra instalaciones oficiales. El cementerio estuvo custodiado pro blindados del Ejército mexicano. (Foto: Reuters).
En estos hechos, más de 70 personas murieron, marcando uno de los episodios más sangrientos tras la caída de un líder narco en México.
Un militar que participó del operativo, bajo anonimato, explicó que el cuerpo de Oseguera fue custodiado en todo momento para evitar que grupos rivales hicieran escarnio de él.
Leé también: Escondida en un bosque y protegida por muros de piedra: así es la mansión donde cayó “El Mencho”
Así, el adiós a “El Mencho” combinó el silencio de sus allegados, la música de banda y un despliegue de seguridad que reflejó el poder y el temor que generó en vida.
México, Narcotráfico
La llamativa actitud de Ernestina Pais al regresar al teatro tras protagonizar un accidente de auto
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
Top Trump ally Steve Daines exits Montana Senate race, plans to retire
Kicillof ofreció un 7,5% por ciento de aumento a los docentes y espera desactivar el conflicto gremial
Jorge Macri defendió su gestión: “Nos quisieron hacer creer que el caos era inevitable”
Juicio por YPF: Estados Unidos volvió a respaldar a la Argentina en la demanda por la expropiación
Destrozaron a Andrea del Boca por el terrible pecado que tuvo en Gran Hermano: “La quiero presa”, apuntaron contra la actriz por un detalle en la cocina
¡Tensión en vivo! Aníbal Pachano y Nancy Pazos protagonizaron un cruce explosivo en la mesa de Mirtha Legrand
La histórica figura de Intrusos que se va del programa y armó un escándalo con Adrián Pallares y Rodrigo Lussich: “Me voy”, reveló Pablo Layus
¡Otro abandono! El participante de Gran Hermano que anunció su salida de la casa: La confesión de Gabriel Lucero que se suma a la lista de renuncias
POLITICA2 días agoPuertas adentro, Villarruel explotó: «El esfuerzo no lo hizo la política» y demolió el relato económico de Milei
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
Pampita se mudó a un castillo francés de detalles alucinantes: «1000 metros, 14 ambientes, vale 11 millones de dólares»
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
El drama que vive Oriana Sabatini a horas del nacimiento de su hija con Paulo Dybala: se complicó la salud de su abuela de 90 años
