Unearthed filing shows largest teachers unions poured over $900 million into political activities
An education watchdog’s review says the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers spent more than $900 million combined on political activity and lobbying from 2016 to 2025. The figures have renewed scrutiny of how teachers’ union dues are used and how clearly members can trace payments to political groups.
The North American Values Institute estimates the NEA spent at least $547 million, including $458.9 million reported as political activity and lobbying and $88.2 million in direct funding to progressive advocacy organisations. It says the AFT reported $383.2 million in political activity and lobbying; of its $331.95 million in itemised political payments, $123.35 million went to outside organisations and committees. These figures and characterisations come from NAVI, and the supplied article ends mid-sentence.
In short
- Watchdog estimates the two unions spent over $900 million on politics.
- The NEA total was at least $547 million.
- NAVI says the AFT reported $383.2 million in political activity and lobbying.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Teachers’ unions can argue that political advocacy and lobbying are part of representing members, whose pay, working conditions and pupils’ resources are shaped by public policy. Spending on campaigns and advocacy groups may amplify educators’ collective voice in debates that would otherwise be dominated by better-funded interests, and the reported totals alone do not show whether members’ rules or disclosure requirements were breached.
The case against
Members may reasonably expect their dues to support representation and professional services, not political causes they do not share. The reported scale of spending, including payments to outside organisations, raises questions about whether members can see clearly where money goes and meaningfully influence those choices; transparent reporting and member consent matter even when the advocacy is lawful.
Explained simply
The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers are the two largest teachers’ unions in the United States. They represent educators in workplace matters and also take part in public debates about education and other policy issues.
US unions can spend money on lobbying officials, supporting political campaigns and funding outside advocacy groups. Their income comes in part from membership dues, so members and the public may look at how those funds are used and how clearly payments are disclosed.
The North American Values Institute is an education watchdog that reviewed union filings and estimated political spending over ten years. Its figures describe spending reported in filings and the institute’s own classifications; they do not by themselves establish how individual members view or approve those uses.