The nation’s two largest teachers’ unions are facing new scrutiny after a report accused them of operating more as political fundraising operations than as advocates for the teachers they represent, alleging that they directed tens of millions of dollars toward Democratic candidates and left-leaning causes while spending a much smaller share on direct member representation.
The May 18 report, conducted by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), the Gevura Fund, Rutgers University, and others, examined the financial practices of the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Together, the two unions represent about 4.6 million members nationwide.
According to the NCRI report, detailed in a Free Press article by investigative reporter Frannie Block, the NEA spent less than $46 million of its $450 million annual disbursement budget in fiscal year 2025 on activities directly representing union members, amounting to roughly 10% of its spending. The union also reported $51.7 million in political activities and lobbying during the most recent fiscal year, along with $123.3 million in contributions, gifts, and grants, Block wrote.
Block, citing the report, also wrote that more than 90% of the NEA’s political spending went to Democrats.
Key funding examples
One of the NEA’s major recipients has reportedly been the State Engagement Fund, a nonprofit that Block said is “widely recognized for funding left-wing political causes without revealing its donors.” Since 2018, the NEA has contributed more than $58 million to the group, according to the Free Press. In fiscal year 2025, it gave $4.9 million to the fund, making it the union’s largest single external payment that year.
Block also highlighted a $1 million NEA payment in 2019 to the Greater Wisconsin Committee, a progressive lobbying group. The contribution — classified as a “ballot grant” — was made just 21 days before Wisconsin’s tight gubernatorial race, which Democrat Tony Evers won over Republican Scott Walker by 1.1 percentage points, according to the Free Press.
The Free Press also reported that the AFT contributed $10,000 in fiscal year 2024 to a synagogue led by the wife of AFT President Randi Weingarten. An AFT spokesperson said the donation went to a “public, charitable fund” called “The Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum & Randi Weingarten Fund for Social Justice at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah,” according to Block. She reported that the fund said its mission is to continue the synagogue’s work “as a leader in the Jewish/LGBTQ+ social justice movement.”
Impact on teachers
Over the past two decades, average teacher salaries have fallen more than 6% — from about $75,000 to $70,000 — even as per-pupil education spending has increased 25%, the Free Press noted.
New York City teacher Tova Plaut, a member of both unions, told the outlet that when unions prioritize politics over members, “the obvious effect is that the members suffer. And we are suffering.”
“When will the union wake up and put their members first?” she asked.
Reactions
A Department of Labor spokesperson declined to comment on the specific allegations in the NCRI report but said union financial disclosures “promote transparency” so members can better participate in union governance, according to the Free Press.
A senior adviser to the Trump administration told the outlet that the Department of Education will review the report “very closely” and investigate further if warranted.
The NEA did not respond to requests for comment, according to the Free Press. The AFT said a previous House investigation into its spending was closed after the union provided documentation, though the House Committee on Education and Workforce did not confirm that to the outlet.