Things Get Worse For Schumer
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) is publicly blasting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after Democrats ended the government shutdown with zero progress on the expiring ObamaCare subsidies. The sharp internal criticism highlights a growing divide inside the Democratic Party as President Trump continues to dominate negotiations in Washington.
Moulton Says Schumer “Quit” and Handed Trump a Major Win
During an appearance on Politico’s “The Conversation” podcast, Moulton accused Schumer of collapsing under pressure.
“Schumer quit right when we looked like we might be able to win,” Moulton said.
He added that the eight Democrats who broke ranks and voted with Republicans to reopen the government are receiving heavy backlash—and many are now questioning whether Schumer should remain the Democrat leader.
Moulton didn’t hold back: “If you’re the leader, you keep the team together. Standing off to the side and saying ‘I voted against it’ doesn’t count. Enough Democrats defected to hand Republicans the win. That means you’re an ineffective leader.”
Moulton: Trump’s Strength Exposed Schumer’s Weakness
Moulton insisted the proper exit ramp was simple: negotiate with Republican leadership and President Donald Trump, who remained strong and focused through the entire standoff.
He argued that Democrats had momentum, public polling, and political leverage—yet Schumer “snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.”
And Moulton issued a warning: “Schumer has proven to Trump that his strong-arm tactics work. Until Trump sees a tougher opponent, he’s going to use the same playbook.”
Shutdown Ends, but Democrats Walk Away With Nothing
The spending bill to reopen the government sailed through Congress and was signed by President Trump. Throughout the shutdown, Democrats demanded an extension of expiring ObamaCare subsidies—but Trump refused to negotiate with Schumer or other Democrat leaders during the impasse.
Democrats ended up with no concessions. Trump walked away with the upper hand.
Moulton Wants Schumer Replaced With “Someone Younger” and “A Tougher Fighter”
With the Democrat base frustrated, Moulton suggested the party needs new leadership.
He stopped short of naming names but emphasized that Schumer is out of touch and unable to unify his own members.
The criticism lands at a sensitive moment, as Moulton has launched a primary challenge against longtime Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.).
Moulton Positions Himself as the “Anti-Establishment Democrat”
Moulton, who is running to unseat 80-year-old Markey in 2026, claims he represents a new direction for the party.
He says he’s willing to challenge the “status quo,” break with Democrat orthodoxy, and stand up to leadership when the party’s strategy “isn’t getting the job done.”
He argues that with President Trump now in his second term, Massachusetts voters need “urgent, effective leadership.”
But despite the tough talk, polls show Markey leading comfortably—51% to 28%, according to a UMass Amherst/WCVB-TV poll.
