AFT launches ad campaign against GOP-backed Trump tax bill

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has initiated a substantial advertising campaign targeting nine Republican senators over the proposed Trump tax bill currently under congressional consideration. The campaign, involving a six-figure investment, will run for ten days across major online platforms and streaming television in several states: Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The AFT's ads aim to highlight the negative impacts of the tax bill on everyday Americans. According to the AFT, this legislation could lead to significant reductions in Medicaid coverage and an increase in national debt that might pressure interest rates upward. Additionally, the bill proposes a large-scale school voucher system that would divert public funds to private schools predominantly attended by affluent students and restricts regulation on artificial intelligence.

“These timely spots show the devastating real-world impact of the president’s big, ugly bill,” stated Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The stories are heartbreaking: whether it’s closing rural hospitals, denying kids critical healthcare or pushing up everyday costs for families.”

Weingarten criticized what she described as "the wholesale gutting of services" intended to benefit working Americans while providing tax cuts for billionaires. She emphasized that their ads deliver a clear message about these actions' human cost and advocate prioritizing families over wealthy donors.

Beyond opposing the current administration's policies, Weingarten highlighted AFT's broader goals: "We’re fighting forward for our vision of opportunity and justice for all: for working-class tax cuts...and appropriate AI guardrails."

The Congressional Budget Office estimates suggest this legislation would reduce resources for the poorest households by $1,600 annually while increasing wealthier households' income by approximately $12,000 per year. Public opinion polls indicate strong opposition from more than two-thirds of Americans.

This new ad initiative follows AFT's previous successful "$2 million 'Put Families First'" campaign conducted alongside other unions like AFSCME and SEIU.

The series includes three explainer videos addressing fiscal concerns and three testimonials sharing personal impacts related to Medicaid cuts. It also features exposés on federal school vouchers within Trump's budget proposal.

Randi Weingarten serves as President with Fedrick C. Ingram as Secretary-Treasurer and Evelyn DeJesus as Executive Vice President at American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO).