Trump Subpoenas Teachers Union for Info on Pro-Palestine Students

The Trump administration has expanded its scrutiny on university pro-Palestine demonstrations, targeting a major labor union in the United States. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the national organization involved, received a grand jury subpoena in August 2024 regarding alleged vandalism incidents at the University of Michigan. Twelve pro-Palestine activists have been charged with felonies in connection with these protests.

The subpoena against the AFT, acquired by The Intercept, reveals that the administration is intensifying its investigation into student protesters beyond what was previously disclosed. Natalie Chen, GEO's communications director, stated that the administration is employing language surrounding conspiracy to ensnare diverse organizations with differing stances against fascism, governmental authority, or counter-cultural ideologies.

The Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO), an AFT local at the University of Michigan, was also sent a notice to provide information and testimony to a grand jury during the same period. GEO President Hiab Teshome, who was previously charged with felony embezzlement, had her charges dismissed, but the subpoenas were issued simultaneously, leaving GEO with little time to respond.

Federal prosecutors are seeking extensive information from the unions, including membership lists, payroll records, reimbursement policies, audit reports, and meeting minutes from January 2023 to present. GEO and AFT are being asked to surrender this information, which may be an attempt by the government to bypass local union leadership and compel the national organizations to comply.