Democratic Party infighting exposes struggle to unite against Trump

 

On Friday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, found himself in a particularly uncomfortable position. President Donald Trump praised him, while former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other influential Democrats expressed their dismay – or even worse.

This was Schumer's fate the day after he decided to support a Republican-crafted measure designed to avert a potential U.S. government shutdown that weekend. He followed through on his promise, voting with nine other Democrats and all but one Republican to overcome a key procedural hurdle. If Democrats had united in opposition, they could have blocked the funding bill from reaching a final vote.

The Senate bill, which passed shortly after that vote, included provisions that angered many liberals. These provisions consisted of cuts to non-military programs, increased spending on border security, limits on how Congress can rescind Trump’s tariffs, and severe restrictions on Washington D.C.’s budget. Schumer acknowledged these issues but stated he was supporting the bill because a shutdown would allow the president to determine which government services and employees to suspend, which he viewed as a worse option. "I believe it is the best way to minimize the harm that the Trump administration will do to the American people," he said. "Allowing Donald Trump to gain even more power through a government shutdown is a far worse choice."

Schumer's announcement quickly led to second-guessing and outright outrage among Democrats. The group Pass the Torch, which previously called for Joe Biden to end his re-election bid last summer, stated, "Chuck Schumer is unwilling and unable to meet the moment." Pelosi, despite stepping down from her leadership position, criticized what she labeled a "false choice" between a shutdown and accepting the Republican measure. She suggested pursuing a short-term funding extension and new bipartisan negotiations, describing the Republican bill as a "blank check" that launches a "devastating assault on the well-being of working families across America."

In a press conference, current House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York avoided questions about Schumer. When asked if he still had confidence in Schumer, he tersely replied: "Next question." Others within the party were less restrained. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia told reporters he anticipated "new leadership" in the Senate next year or after the next presidential election in 2028.

A group of 60 House Democrats, who voted against the Republican bill in that chamber, sent a letter to Schumer stating that the legislation "potentially legitimizes President Trump and the Republican Party's dismantling of government." They argued, "If Republicans in Congress want to pass this bill, they should do so with their own votes."

As if to add insult to injury for Democrats, Trump praised what he termed a "good and smart move" by Schumer on his Truth Social website, promising that more Republican legislation on taxes, spending, and "so much more" was forthcoming. "This could lead to something big for the USA," he wrote, envisioning "a whole new direction and beginning!"

While many grassroots Democrats and liberal activists urged Schumer and Senate Democrats to block the measure—even if it triggered a government shutdown—it remains unclear whether that move would have pressured Trump and Republicans into negotiating a less partisan bill. In fact, many on the right, including Trump's designated budget cutter, Elon Musk, appeared eager to use a shutdown to further cripple the federal bureaucracy.

After days or weeks of shutdown repercussions, which would disproportionately affect their supporters, the Democratic Party could have found itself in the same predicament as now—limited power and few good options. "Neither House Democrats nor those voting 'no' in the Senate or those getting angry on Twitter have an actual strategy for getting what the base wants," commented left-leaning commentator Matthew Yglesias. "What they want is some legislative action saying that Trump and Musk need to run the government differently."

While Democrats have the power to block Republican legislation, they lack the votes to advance their own alternatives in either the House or the Senate. However, this reality does not ease the discomfort Schumer and the Democrats feel about their current situation. Republicans, by maintaining their unity, have exerted their influence in Congress, while Trump continues to push his agenda.