Philadelphia Firefighters Union Upholds Trump Endorsement After Overwhelming Internal Vote

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22, which represents firefighters and paramedics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, declined to rescind the endorsement of President Donald Trump in a 1,444 to 782 vote, the union announced Wednesday. Local 22 members protested and national IAFF leadership spoke out against the union’s September endorsement of Trump.

“There is tremendous support for President Trump among first responders and we encourage other IAFF locals to confer with their members,” Michael Bresnan, president of Local 22, wrote in the union’s endorsement letter.

Local 22 tweeted its endorsement letter on Sept. 29. In response, Trump called the endorsement a “great honor,” but canceled a planned visit to the union after he tested positive for coronavirus.