Budget Bill: Chuck Schumer on the Wrong Side of Democrats

March 27, 2025 Budget Bill: Chuck Schumer on the Wrong Side of Democrats  image

Key Takeaways

  • Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing sharp criticism within his own party for voting with Republicans on the CR to prevent government shutdown.
  • A significant 80% of Democratic discussion about Schumer’s vote on the CR is negative, with 70% of overall discussion among Democrats also negative.
  • Republicans are taking the opportunity to claim a narrative win as Democrats continue to struggle with the future direction and leadership of their party. 

Our Methodology

Demographics

All Voters

Sample Size

7,700

Geographical Breakdown

National

Time Period

7 Days

MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article. 

Chuck Schumer backed the Republican-led Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown, causing a political firestorm in his own party. Normally a routine funding measure, the CR exposes fractures in Democratic ranks, raises questions about Schumer’s leadership, and gives Republicans a strategic victory.

MIG Reports data shows 80% of Democrats disapprove of Schumer’s CR vote and only 20% support it. Republicans are also divided, with 65% approving of Schumer’s move but 35% questioning his motives as Schumer’s overall image deteriorates.

In overall discussions of Schumer’s recent actions 95% of Republican comments express a negative view and 70% of Democratic comments express negativity. Now, Democratic politicians are openly calling for Schumer’s resignation, progressives are discussing a 2028 primary challenge, and moderates worry Schumer will cost Democrats control in the 2026 primaries.

CR Vote and Republican Leverage

The Republican-led CR funds the government until September 30, 2025, but delivers key conservative wins:

  • $13 billion in non-defense spending cuts
  • $6 billion in defense spending increases
  • No detailed directives—giving Trump’s administration discretion over allocations

Schumer defended his decision as a pragmatic move to prevent an economic crisis. He says rejecting the CR would have led to a shutdown controlled by Republicans, handing Trump the power to dictate spending priorities.

But the backlash was swift. Democrats saw the vote as a capitulation to Trump and Musk, with zero meaningful concessions for their own priorities. Worse, Republicans are swiftly framing it as a strategic win.

Democratic Infighting and New Leadership

The biggest fallout from Schumer’s decision is withing his own party.

  • Bernie Sanders, AOC, and activist groups are now leading the progressive revolt against Schumer.
  • Glenn Ivey (D-MD) has publicly called for Schumer’s removal—the first formal push from within the party.
  • Elizabeth Warren and Hakeem Jeffries distanced themselves, signaling unease with Schumer’s leadership.

Progressives are already floating a 2028 primary challenge, arguing Schumer represents corporate donors over the Democratic base. Democratic donors and activists are also discussing withholding support to pressure leadership change.

Moderates are conflicted as some recognize that Schumer had few options, but they remain frustrated that he failed to extract any meaningful Democratic wins.

Republicans Capitalize on Schumer’s Weakness

Republicans waste no time using Schumer’s failure to their advantage.

  • “Even in opposition, the GOP controls the budget.” This talking point is gaining traction among swing voters and featured in GOP ads targeting vulnerable Senate Democrats.
  • Trump claimed a narrative victory, publicly praising Schumer and reinforcing the idea that the GOP is driving its legislative agenda.
  • GOP-aligned strategists now push for deeper spending cuts, knowing Schumer lacks the leverage to push back.

The worst-case scenario for Democrats is that Republicans will demand more concessions next time, knowing Schumer will cave.

Corruption Allegations and USAID

Schumer’s problems are snowballing as negativity increases.

  • Accusations claim he misused USAID funds for financial and political gain.
  • Critics say he laundered money through NGOs, benefiting donors and political allies.
  • The accusations, initially from right-wing voices, are now spreading into progressive activist circles.
  • Schumer canceled a book tour event citing “security issues,” but many online question if the real reason is due to the recent severe backlash.
  • His handling of Social Security and Medicare has drawn Republican attacks and frustration from the Democratic base.
  • Schumer’s position as Senate Minority Leader is no longer secure.

Republicans are taking the opportunity to discuss long-standing establishment corruption narratives around Schumer and other Democratic leaders. Meanwhile, some progressives see this as yet another reason to push him out in 2028.

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