Around 100 demonstrators gathered outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s home in Park Slope on Sunday to express their disapproval of his support for a spending bill proposed by the GOP. One sign at the rally read, “Lost spine, if found please return to Chuck.”
Despite facing increasing pressure to step down from his leadership position, the 74-year-old senior senator from New York and Democratic caucus leader since 2017 has remained adamant that he will not resign. Indivisible Brooklyn, the liberal group behind the protest, criticized Schumer for what they described as a “devastating lack of leadership” during negotiations over government funding.
The group accused Schumer of capitulating to President Trump, Elon Musk, and the GOP and called for new leadership in the Senate that would resist fascism. Protesters held signs reading “Stand up or step down” and “Resist or resign” as they demanded Schumer’s resignation.
While a dozen officers monitored the demonstration, Schumer’s home was protected by metal barricades, keeping the protesters at a distance across the street. Chants of “Your time is up, Chuck!” could be heard as the police observed the scene.
Jennie Spector, an organizer with Indivisible Brooklyn, expressed disappointment in Schumer’s actions, stating, “He really betrayed us and the people who are counting on him to protect us from what is clearly a fascist government in the White House. We’re calling on him to step down as minority leader because he’s not the leader we need at this moment.”
Despite the backlash, Schumer has stated that he will not be stepping down from his position. He defended his decision to vote with Republicans on the spending bill, emphasizing that he acted out of conviction for what he believed was best for the country and his party, even if it was met with disagreement.
The protest highlighted the division among Democrats, with some calling for a more confrontational approach towards the administration. Schumer maintained that avoiding a government shutdown was the priority and that there was no leverage to negotiate further concessions from the GOP.
The aftermath of Schumer’s controversial vote has sparked debates within the Democratic Party, with critics accusing him of undermining the party’s stance and missed opportunities for bargaining. Despite the criticism, Schumer remains firm in his decision and commitment to his leadership role.
A limited shutdown would have provided Trump and his administration with additional opportunities to implement severe spending reductions in the federal budget. He mentioned that a shutdown would have worked in their favor. Due to the anger from his constituents, he had to postpone his book tour last week due to security concerns.
