Fact Check: Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, also resigned from his position in the Democratic National Committee in June 2023, expressing dissatisfaction with Chairman Ken Martin's leadership.

Fact Check: "Lee Saunders Resigned from the DNC in June 2023"

What We Know

The claim states that Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), resigned from his position in the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in June 2023 due to dissatisfaction with Chairman Ken Martin's leadership.

According to a report from The New York Times, Lee Saunders is indeed a prominent figure in the labor movement and has been involved in various political activities. However, there is no specific mention of his resignation from the DNC in June 2023 in that article.

Additionally, a tweet from political journalist Shane Goldmacher confirms that Saunders was "out at the DNC," but it does not provide details regarding the timing or reasons for his departure. The lack of a specific date or context makes it difficult to ascertain whether this aligns with the June 2023 claim.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed and lacks clarity. The New York Times article highlights Saunders' active role within the labor movement and his public persona but does not confirm the resignation from the DNC or provide any context regarding dissatisfaction with Ken Martin's leadership. The absence of direct quotes or detailed accounts from credible sources raises questions about the reliability of the claim.

The tweet from Shane Goldmacher suggests that there may be some truth to the claim that Saunders left the DNC, but it does not specify the timing or reasons for his departure. This lack of detail limits the reliability of the information, as it does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding his exit.

Furthermore, the sources available do not provide a clear timeline or context for the alleged resignation, which is critical for verifying the claim. Without more substantial evidence or direct statements from Saunders or the DNC, the claim remains unverified.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Lee Saunders resigned from the DNC in June 2023 due to dissatisfaction with Chairman Ken Martin's leadership lacks sufficient evidence and clarity. While there are indications that he may have left the DNC, the absence of specific details regarding the timing and reasons for his departure necessitates further investigation. More reliable sources or direct statements are needed to confirm the accuracy of this claim.

Sources

1. Canada: Background and U.S. Relations
2. A-Z Databases - Subject & Course Guides
3. Received by OGC on Feb. 3, 2025
4. GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Office ...
5. Convention Insider: This Union Leader Is a Hug Machine
6. Lee Saunders - Wikipedia
7. Lee Saunders | American Federation of State, County and Municipal ...
8. Shane Goldmacher - X