The Department of Justice has opened a federal grand jury investigation into United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain over allegations of abuse of power and self‑dealing.
A grand jury subpoenaed the union’s court‑appointed monitor as part of the probe, focusing on claims that Fain pressured a senior union official to obtain benefits for his fiancée and her sister.
The investigation follows a series of reports from the monitor documenting retaliation against top UAW leaders who opposed questionable spending decisions.
The United Auto Workers has a history of corruption, with multiple former presidents and senior officials convicted in a large labor racketeering scandal that involved misuse of members’ dues for personal luxury.
After those convictions, the union was placed under a federal consent decree and a monitor was appointed to oversee reforms.
Although Fain campaigned as a reformer, the monitor, Neil Barofsky, has repeatedly accused him of abusing his authority.
Barofsky’s findings allege that Fain retaliated against Secretary‑Treasurer Margaret Mock and Vice President Rich Boyer after they questioned spending, including a proposal for bonuses at a Stellantis training center that would have directly benefited his fiancée.
Fain has denied the allegations, describing the monitor’s reports as politically motivated and asserting that the monitor is playing political games and abusing his power.
The monitor’s law firm affirmed that he has acted with professionalism, integrity, and respect in his public‑service and private‑practice roles. His conduct has been defended by the firm despite the ongoing investigation.
A labor‑studies professor noted that while the federal watchdog can impose severe disciplinary measures that might affect Fain’s eligibility for office, the likelihood of criminal penalties appears limited.
Fain previously attracted national attention when he delivered a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, criticizing the former president and displaying a red T‑shirt reading “Trump Is a Scab.”
