Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is under fire from Democratic activists and progressive groups after supporting a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill. The move has sparked intense criticism, with some calling for him to step down as Senate leader.
Schumer’s Vote Angers Progressives
Schumer’s decision to support the GOP funding bill has led to deep divisions within the Democratic Party. His vote, which aimed to prevent a government shutdown, has been perceived as caving to Republican pressure rather than standing firm against former President Donald Trump and his allies.
The progressive group Indivisible was among the first to demand Schumer’s resignation, accusing him of failing to use his leadership position to oppose the Republican agenda. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, reiterated that Schumer’s fate rests in the hands of Democratic voters and grassroots activists.
Damage Control Efforts Are Falling Short
In response to the backlash, Schumer and his aides have been privately reaching out to liberal organizations in an effort to calm tensions. According to sources, he personally spoke with Indivisible leaders in New York to explain his position.
However, these damage-control attempts have not been well received. Insiders describe the conversations as “tense and unproductive.” Additionally, Schumer’s team allegedly tried to persuade Indivisible’s New York chapter not to sign a petition demanding his resignation—a request that was ultimately ignored.
Calls for Schumer’s Resignation Grow
Beyond Indivisible, other progressive groups like MoveOn have also voiced strong concerns. A spokesperson from MoveOn said the group has been pressuring Schumer to adopt a more aggressive stance against the Republican-controlled Congress.
Meanwhile, moderate Democrats are also losing faith in Schumer’s leadership. Charlotte Clymer, a Democratic strategist, has gathered over 25,000 signatures on a petition calling for donors to stop funding Senate Democrats unless Schumer resigns.
Is Schumer’s Leadership at Risk?
While Schumer is facing heavy criticism, his position as Senate minority leader is not immediately in danger. Some Democratic lawmakers have hinted at supporting a primary challenger in the future, but Schumer’s Senate seat is not up for reelection until 2028.
Still, the rising frustration among Democrats raises concerns about his ability to lead the party through critical negotiations in the coming years.
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