Countless Americans declared: ‘Not on my watch.’

It was total immersion at this year’s SOMOS, the annual Puerto Rico power gathering of New York legislators and other elected officials, unionists, civic groups and political activists.

Learn how we’re rising up to protect patients and our democracy as the Trump administration slashes funding for healthcare access, public health, and research.

In the Winter 2025-2026 American Educator, learn how the AFT is committing to creating safe, relevant and engaging public schools and highlighting core concepts that support all students.

It is clear that higher education is under attack.

Carrying through on earlier threats, President Donald Trump has encouraged congressional Republicans not to negotiate with Democrats on a budget for the new fiscal year, prompting a shutdown of the federal government that began Oct. 1. At the heart of the funding fight, Republicans are trying to take away healthcare from 15 million Americans by making the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, while Democrats are trying to protect and extend Americans’ healthcare benefits.

The crucial work of higher education workers is now under siege. Devastating funding cuts are halting medical breakthroughs and slashing support for students—all as political retribution from an administration that wants to control knowledge.

As we observe Labor Day, it’s not just about picnics and parades. It’s about standing up for what all working people deserve: dignity, a life they can afford and real opportunity. Whether you are a nurse, a bus driver or an educator, you make a difference in people’s lives every day. In this moment, our fight for freedom, fairness and security is more important than ever.

In a sweeping move to leverage artificial intelligence as a tool for learning and to minimize its harms, the AFT has partnered with the United Federation of Teachers, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic to launch a first-of-its-kind national AI academy for educators.