📢 Democratic Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during a town hall on Tuesday, expressing disappointment over Schumer’s decision to back a GOP-led government funding bill and calling for fresh leadership within the Democratic Party.
Ivey Blasts Schumer for Supporting Republican-Led Spending Bill
🔥 During the town hall, Ivey made it clear that he opposed the GOP’s continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government, arguing that Democrats should have fought harder to block it.
💬 “I thought it was critical to make sure that we block that bill,” Ivey stated, referencing the legislation that largely maintains spending levels under President Joe Biden.
🚨 His strongest criticism, however, was aimed directly at Schumer.
💬 “I was deeply disappointed that Senator Schumer voted with the Republicans. You know you’re on bad ground when you get a personal tweet from Donald Trump thanking you for your vote.”
👀 Trump himself acknowledged Schumer’s decision, fueling tensions within the Democratic Party.
Ivey: Democrats Must Stand United Against GOP
🔎 Ivey suggested that the Democratic Party’s best strategy was not to negotiate with Republicans but to serve as a strict opposition force against Trump and the GOP.
💬 “We don’t want to be there. We don’t want to be there. And it’s important for us to make sure that, at this critical time, we’ve got leaders that are gonna take us in the right direction.”
👊 He praised House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for leading House Democrats in voting against the CR, contrasting his leadership with Schumer’s.
💬 “Hakeem met the moment. Schumer did not.”
🛑 Ivey went as far as to suggest that Democrats should have allowed a government shutdown rather than compromise with Republicans.
💬 “Schumer was on the other side… I respect Chuck Schumer. I think he’s had a great long-standing career. He’s done a lot of great things. But I’m afraid that it may be time for the Senate Democrats to pick new leadership as we move forward.”
Schumer Defends His Decision, Warns of GOP’s Long-Term Strategy
📺 Schumer pushed back against criticism in multiple media appearances this week, including on CBS Mornings, where he argued that a government shutdown would have emboldened conservatives advocating for Project 2025—a right-wing initiative focused on shrinking the federal government.
💬 “One of the Republican senators who knows said to us, ‘You’ll be in the shutdown for six to nine months until we totally destroy the federal government.’ So the shutdown was a much worse alternative.”
🔎 Schumer framed his vote as a necessary move to prevent a prolonged shutdown that could have weakened government institutions, including the courts, which Democrats rely on to counter Trump’s agenda.
Growing Calls for Schumer to Step Down
🚨 Ivey is not alone in questioning Schumer’s leadership. Several other Democrats and progressive groups are now publicly calling for a change.
🗣️ At a separate town hall, Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) was asked if Schumer should “retire or step down.” She nodded and simply said, “yes.”
📌 Ramirez’s comments, which had not been previously reported, add to the growing chorus of dissent within the party.
💥 The progressive group Indivisible has also called for Schumer’s resignation as Senate leader, highlighting dissatisfaction with his approach to legislative negotiations.
🔎 One House Democrat, speaking anonymously to Axios, suggested that others in Congress share these concerns but have avoided making public statements.
💬 “I think there are some already there but just haven’t been asked directly or avoided the question.”
Pelosi’s Thinly Veiled Criticism of Schumer
💬 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also appeared to take a subtle jab at Schumer’s willingness to compromise.
📌 Speaking at a press conference in San Francisco, Pelosi acknowledged Schumer’s leadership but criticized his approach to negotiations.
💬 “I myself don’t give away anything for nothing,” she stated. “I think that’s what happened the other day.”
⚖️ Pelosi suggested that Democrats could have pushed Republicans toward a different funding deal rather than agreeing to the GOP’s terms.
💬 “We could have, in my view, perhaps gotten [Republicans] to agree to a third way. They may not have agreed to it, but at least the public would have seen them not agreeing to it—then [Republicans] would have been shutting the government down.”
📢 Her remarks signal frustration with Schumer’s willingness to compromise, further exposing the divide among Democratic leaders.
Democratic Divide: What Comes Next?
🔎 Schumer’s leadership is facing its most significant challenge yet, as progressive Democrats push for a more aggressive stance against Republicans.
⚠️ The divide between establishment Democrats and those demanding a harder line against the GOP is becoming increasingly visible.
💬 Should Schumer remain in power, or is it time for a change? Share your thoughts in the comments!