WE SUPPORT THE CALL

FOR SCHUMER TO STEP DOWN

We support the growing call for Senator Chuck Schumer to resign as Senate Democratic Leader. His decision to back a profoundly flawed spending bill—without securing critical protections for public health, environmental safeguards, or social services—reflects a failure of leadership at a time when bold, principled action is urgently needed.

Recently, over 50 advocacy organizations have called for Senator Chuck Schumer to resign from his position as Senate Minority Leader. The coalition, including Food & Water Watch and Progressive Democrats of America, expressed their concerns in a letter dated April 2, 2025. They criticized Schumer's decision to back the continuing resolution (CR), stating that it represented a "complete dereliction of duty and failure of leadership." The letter emphasized that Schumer's actions undermined efforts to resist the Musk-Trump agenda, which they claim is dismantling essential government services and protections.

The letter further highlighted the absence of a clear strategy and communication plan from Schumer's leadership during the budget negotiations. It asserted that his support for the CR demonstrated ineffective opposition to policies threatening public health, environmental protection, and social welfare programs.

This call for resignation aligns with broader dissatisfaction among progressive Democrats and advocacy groups. Critics argue that Schumer's approach has been too conciliatory, failing to effectively counteract the administration's initiatives that they view as harmful to working-class Americans and the environment. The coalition insists on the need for new leadership that can more robustly oppose such policies and advocate for the interests of vulnerable communities.

Senator Schumer has not publicly responded to these calls for his resignation. Still, tensions remain within the Democratic Party regarding its leadership's strategies and responses to the current administration's policy directions.

Advocacy Organization's Letter to Schumer PDF (Food and Water Watch, 4-2-25)

50+ Groups Amplify Growing Call for Schumer to Resign as Dem. Senate Leader (Food and Water Watch, 4-2-25)

50+ Groups to Schumer: 'Time to Step Down as Senate Minority Leader' (Common Dreams, 4-2-25)

DEMOCRATS REVOLT AGAINST SCHUMER OVER TRUMP BUDGET COMPROMISE

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing mounting pressure to resign from his leadership position following his support for a Republican-led continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown. This decision has sparked significant backlash from various factions within the Democratic Party, who view his actions as a capitulation to President Donald Trump's administration and its policies.

The Controversial Vote

On March 14, 2025, the Senate passed a seven-month continuing resolution to fund the government, effectively preventing a shutdown. Despite widespread opposition within his party, Schumer, along with nine other Democratic senators and an independent who caucuses with Democrats, voted in favor of the bill. Schumer defended his decision by emphasizing the potential dangers of a shutdown, stating that it would grant President Trump and adviser Elon Musk "almost complete power as to what to close down because they can decide what is an essential service." He added, "My job as leader is to lead the party, and if there's going to be danger in the near future, to protect the party."

Reactions from Democratic Leaders

The response from Democratic leaders has been notably critical. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refrained from expressing support for Schumer, responding with "Next question" when asked about the need for new Senate leadership. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged senators to oppose Schumer's stance, labeling the choice "unacceptable." Additionally, dozens of House Democrats signed a letter expressing "strong opposition" to Schumer's position, arguing that Democrats were elected to "fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos" rather than "capitulating to their obstruction." 

Calls for Resignation from Advocacy Groups

Prominent advocacy organizations have also called for Schumer's resignation. Food & Water Watch's Executive Director, Wenonah Hauter, criticized Schumer for capitulating to Trump and Musk, stating, "Any minority leader who is thanked by Trump for facilitating his agenda has no business being in that position." Similarly, the grassroots organization Indivisible, following internal consultations, announced that 82% of its New York leaders and 91% nationwide voted to call for Schumer to step down. Indivisible's Co-Executive Director Ezra Levin remarked, "Schumer led the charge to wave the white flag of surrender. But Indivisible has no intention of surrendering to Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans."

The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate advocacy group, organized protests at Schumer's office, with participants holding signs reading, "Schumer: step up or step aside." The group's political director, Stevie O'Hanlon, commented on the implications: "We have to reckon with the fact that young people, working-class people, people of color — the backbone of the Democratic Party — are moving away from the party... Chuck Schumer is part of that."

The current discontent surrounding Senator Schumer's recent actions highlights an extensive debate within the Democratic Party about its direction and leadership in confronting the Trump administration's policies. As calls for new leadership intensify, the party faces critical decisions on unifying and effectively opposing initiatives they believe undermine democratic principles and public welfare.