Fain's Livestream: Nationalism and Militarism

Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), addressed the union's recent alignment with Donald Trump, attempting to quell growing discontent among rank-and-file members. This follows Trump's recent rally appearance with UAW members where he attacked Biden's electric vehicle policies. The source article argues that this alliance is a betrayal of the working class, particularly given Trump's anti-union history and his administration's attacks on democratic rights. It criticizes Fain for prioritizing short-term political maneuvers over the long-term interests of UAW members and the broader working class. The UAW's justification for supporting Trump centers on his opposition to Biden's electric vehicle transition policies, which the union claims threaten jobs in the traditional automotive sector. However, the article contends that this stance ignores the broader implications of Trump's political agenda, including his attacks on unions, immigrants, and democratic institutions. It accuses the UAW leadership of opportunism and a willingness to collaborate with right-wing forces for narrow, short-sighted gains. The article emphasizes that the UAW's embrace of Trump occurs amidst increasing anger among union members due to layoffs, plant closures, and perceived concessions made by the UAW in recent contract negotiations. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/12/sxde-a12.html