Former President Donald Trump took a swipe at the United Auto Workers president Sunday night, calling him a “dope” days after the UAW endorsed President Joe Biden.
In a social media post Sunday, Trump called for the removal of UAW President Shawn Fain after the union leader appeared on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” to tout Biden’s support of the UAW’s efforts.
“Shawn Fain doesn’t understand this or have a clue,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Get rid of this dope & vote for DJT. I will bring the Automobile Industry back to our Country.”
The UAW did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The UAW formally endorsed Biden last week, with Fain stating “This choice is clear: Joe Biden bet on the American worker while Donald Trump blamed the American worker.”
Fain said Biden “earned” the endorsement. Biden made the unprecedented move of appearing on a UAW picket line during the union’s six-week strike against Detroit automakers last fall.
On the night of the second Republican primary debate, Trump gave a speech to current and former members of the autoworkers’ union on the 13th day of their strike. The event was held at a non-unionized auto parts supplier.
On CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Fain said that he “can’t fathom any union supporting Trump.”
Trump is scheduled to meet with International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien and union members next week, as that union has yet to endorse a presidential candidate.
“Donald Trump has a history of serving himself and standing for the billionaire class and that's contrary to everything that working-class people stand for,” Fain said Sunday.