For years, teachers’ unions have presented themselves as champions of educators—fighting for better pay, improved conditions, and stronger schools. But a new watchdog report suggests something very different: a massive political operation pouring over $1 billion into left-wing causes.
According to research from Defending Education, national unions like the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have directed roughly $669 million toward political campaigns, PACs, and progressive organizations since 2015. And when you include state and local affiliates, that number climbs past the $1 billion mark.
So much for “just focusing on the classroom.”
The report, based on federal filings and campaign finance records, paints a picture of unions deeply embedded in political activism. Funds have reportedly flowed into major Democrat-aligned groups like the Senate Majority PAC and House Majority PAC, along with tens of millions more into broader progressive networks such as the State Engagement Fund and the For Our Future Action Fund.
And it doesn’t stop there. More than $85 million has gone directly to Democratic Party entities across local, state, and federal levels—before even factoring in individual candidate contributions. On top of that, union money has supported causes ranging from climate initiatives to campaigns opposing school choice.
In other words, this isn’t just advocacy—it’s a full-scale political strategy.
Defending Education’s research director, Rhyen Staley, didn’t sugarcoat it, describing teachers’ unions as “a political machine” focused on advancing a left-wing agenda. His argument is simple: if you want to know what an organization values, follow the money—and in this case, the money is heading straight into politics.
The report also highlights funding directed toward groups like Color of Change PAC, Indivisible, the National Center for Transgender Equality, Planned Parenthood, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation—organizations firmly aligned with progressive activism.
Defending Education President Nicole Neily went even further, arguing that many educators may not realize where their dues are actually going. Instead of being used solely for workplace advocacy, she says those funds are being redirected into political causes that don’t necessarily reflect the priorities of every teacher.
And that’s where the real debate begins.
Because while unions undeniably play a major role in the education system, questions about transparency and accountability are becoming harder to ignore. Teachers, parents, and communities are increasingly asking whether these organizations are still focused on education—or something else entirely.
The good news? Reports like this are bringing much-needed visibility to the issue. And when information is out in the open, people can make informed decisions about where they stand.
At the end of the day, that kind of transparency isn’t a threat—it’s exactly how the system is supposed to work.