NEW YORK (WABC) -- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faced significant backlash after supporting a Republican-led funding bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown. During an appearance on "The View" on March 18, 2025, Schumer articulated his rationale for his decision, stating that a government shutdown would have dire consequences for programs like Medicaid and veterans' benefits. Schumer underscored that many individuals would suffer if such a scenario transpired, saying that ultimately, people would come to him asking, "Why did you let the shutdown happen?"
His stance may have confounded some, given that it resulted in criticism not only from his Democratic peers but also raised questions about his leadership amid party dissent. "In the old days, we'd work it out, but this is a different, new horrible kettle of fish," Schumer remarked. He also confirmed that a Republican senator indicated a willingness to extend a government shutdown for months, aiming to dismantle essential federal programs.
Schumer claimed that the chaotic climate surrounding the negotiations would empower figures like President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to functionally strip funding from government programs viewable as nonessential. He contrasted the situation to a dangerous game of chicken, stating, "You have two choices: one bad, the other devastating." For Schumer, the prospect of a shutdown would serve as an invitation to potentially catastrophic cuts.
While Schumer maintained, "They hate the government; they want to shut down everything," he received unexpected praise from Trump, who lauded Schumer on social media for his tough decision, calling it a "smart move". However, Schumer interpreted this as an attempt to sow confusion and claimed Trump was trolling him. Further complicating matters, the negative feedback from his decision forced him to postpone his upcoming book tour.
Adding to the tumult, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries came to Schumer's defense, asserting his continued support for the Senate leader's judgment during a Medicaid Day of Action event held in Brooklyn. Jeffries highlighted ongoing threats to Medicaid funding, claiming that the Trump administration's proposed cuts would devastate families across the country. He criticized those cuts as an endeavor to facilitate massive tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations, including Musk, asserting that the intent is to dismantle critical support systems.
Others in the party, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, expressed skepticism about Schumer's decision to vote for the funding bill without securing any concessions from the Republicans. Pelosi contended that a stronger bargaining position could have produced a more favorable outcome for the Democrats. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk have offered Congress a false choice between a government shutdown or a blank check that makes a devastating assault on the well-being of working families across America,” she stated, asserting her belief that Schumer granted too much to the Republicans.
In a separate podcast with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed this discontent, claiming Schumer’s decision to support the funding measure surrendered important leverage to Republicans. Walz noted that Americans would perceive Democrats as complicit with Trump due to Schumer’s vote. He emphasized that this situation would ultimately harm the Democratic Party's standing with constituents.
Throughout the discussions, Schumer defended his leadership role, insisting that he continues to serve effectively as the Senate Democratic leader despite increasing scrutiny from left-wing factions within his party. He acknowledged that while he understands the implications of his vote, taking a proactive stance was necessary to avoid a crisis. “As a leader, I had to act to avert a crisis down the road that would have been caused by a shutdown,” he stated.
Schumer highlighted his record of recruiting talent to win seats for the Democratic Senate caucus, specifically referencing the successes of Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s pivotal 2020 elections. He likened his leadership to that of an orchestra conductor, aiming to unify the party's diverse talents in combating what he termed the detrimental policies of the Trump administration.
As the fallout from his controversial vote continues to play out, Schumer stressed his commitment to guiding the party through the complexities of the current political landscape. Criticizing the lack of coordination within the Democratic Party surrounding the funding debate, he expressed a need for unity going forward. “We have a great bench,” he proclaimed, urging his colleagues to band together in opposition to Trump’s administration.
In closing, the struggle within the Democratic Party regarding Schumer’s recent decisions reflects a broader conversation about strategy and leadership in the face of a polarized political climate. With infighting becoming more apparent, the party faces the challenge of maintaining cohesion and clarity moving towards future negotiations.
