By Newsmax Wires | Monday, 10 November 2025 07:58 PM EST
A growing number of House Democrats and liberal groups are demanding Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer step down after a faction of his senators joined Republicans to end the prolonged government shutdown, according to Axios. The rebellion marks the most significant internal challenge to Schumer’s leadership since President Donald Trump took office, reflecting deep-seated frustration among progressives who accuse him of failing to counter White House policies.
The latest controversy stems from Sunday’s Senate vote on a temporary spending bill that could conclude the 30-day government shutdown. Democrats had resisted for weeks, pushing for provisions to safeguard Americans from losing health coverage as Obamacare subsidies expired. However, the final agreement includes no such measures. House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to address healthcare issues after the shutdown ends.
Progressives have condemned the deal as a capitulation to Republican demands. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., accused Schumer of being “out of touch with the American people,” while Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., argued that an effective leader would have unified his caucus to reject the funding plan. Reps. Mike Levin, Shri Thanedar, and Ro Khanna also joined calls for Schumer’s resignation, with Thanedar urging the party to elect someone “more strategic” and “with guts.”
Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., reiterated her long-standing demand for Schumer to step down, stating, “I’ve said it before, and I will say it again — Schumer needs to resign.” While some Democrats did not explicitly call for his removal, others expressed similar discontent. Rep. Emily Randall, D-Wash., suggested Senate Majority Leader Patty Murray as a potential replacement.
Outside Congress, progressive groups like Indivisible are mobilizing to pressure senators to replace Schumer, launching campaigns to support primary challengers who oppose him. Several Democratic Senate candidates, including Moulton and Iowa’s Nathan Sage, have also called for his departure.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., defended Schumer, responding “Yes and yes” when asked if he should remain in leadership. Jeffries praised Senate Democrats for their efforts during the shutdown but acknowledged the internal rifts. Axios reporters noted that Schumer personally opposed the bipartisan spending deal but argued that progressives believe he either approved it or lost control of his caucus.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told colleagues on a private call that Schumer either “gave his blessing” to the plan or “can’t control his caucus.” No Senate Democrats have publicly endorsed the calls for resignation. Meanwhile, President Trump praised the deal as a “first step toward restoring order in Washington,” urging lawmakers to act swiftly to reopen the government.
