Chuck Schumer Rejects Resignation Calls Amid Democratic Uproar Over GOP Spending Bill
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that he will not step down from his leadership position despite growing pressure from within his own party after voting to advance a Republican-backed government funding bill.
Schumer: “I’m Not Stepping Down”
Schumer defended his decision in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday.
“Look, I’m not stepping down,” Schumer stated. “I did it out of pure conviction as to what a leader should do and what the right thing for America and my party was. People disagree.”
The New York senator’s vote to move forward with the GOP spending bill, which was backed by Republican President Donald Trump, has outraged progressive activists and some Democratic lawmakers.
Backlash from Progressives and Calls for a Primary Challenge
Many progressive Democrats argue that the spending package gives Trump too much control over government funding, without securing any concessions for Democrats.
Following the vote:
- Protesters gathered outside Schumer’s office, demanding his resignation.
- Some Democrats have called for a primary challenge against Schumer in 2028, with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being floated as a potential challenger.
- Schumer postponed his book tour amid increasing demonstrations from progressive activists.
Sen. Bernie Sanders & Rep. Ro Khanna Speak Out
In an interview on ABC’s “This Week”, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) criticized Schumer and Senate Democratic leadership but avoided discussing a potential Ocasio-Cortez challenge.
“I don’t want to talk about inside-the-beltway stuff,” Sanders said before abruptly ending the interview.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) also weighed in on CNN’s “State of the Union”, saying:
“There is no doubt that there is anger there, and people were very, very disappointed in the Senate.”
Khanna also criticized Senate Democrats for not negotiating better terms in exchange for supporting the bill, pointing out that Trump’s allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, are pushing for government spending limits and job cuts.
When asked if he would support an Ocasio-Cortez Senate primary challenge against Schumer in 2028, Khanna responded:
“I haven’t talked to her directly… but here’s what I will say: The American people are fed up with the old guard. There needs to be a renewal.”
Schumer’s Justification: A “Vote of Principle”
Schumer admitted that the bill was “certainly bad”, but argued that voting against it would have been even worse.
“Sometimes when you’re a leader, you have to do things to avoid a real danger that might come down the curve,” he said.
With his next reelection not until 2028, Schumer appears determined to hold onto his position despite mounting party tensions and progressive frustration.
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