Lawmakers Fighting Over Government Shutdown
Washington, D.C. – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing one of the toughest moments of his career. With the government funding deadline just weeks away, Democrats are torn apart by infighting, voter frustration, and pressure from President Trump’s America First budget agenda.
Democrats Already Burned Once
Back in March, Senate Democrats caved at the last minute, joining Republicans to pass a funding bill that kept the government open but enraged their own liberal base. Now, with fiscal year 2026 beginning October 1, Schumer must decide whether to dig in—or fold again. Either choice carries enormous political risk.
Schumer and Jeffries Beg for Bipartisanship
Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) released a letter demanding immediate talks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). They pressed for “bipartisan” funding and warned of a so-called “healthcare crisis.” At the same time, they attacked President Trump’s budget plan, which responsibly cuts wasteful spending on programs like Medicaid expansion and food stamps.
Democrats at War With Themselves
Not all Democrats are willing to play along. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) lashed out at his colleagues, accusing them of being “complicit” in Trump’s effort to shrink government and cut reckless spending. Booker claimed Trump is “eviscerating the Constitution”—but many Americans see Trump’s moves as restoring common sense and reining in Washington’s out-of-control bureaucracy.
Republicans Drive the Agenda
House Republicans have already advanced spending bills that slash non-defense programs by 6% and block Biden-era policies. Senate bills have been slower, but even Democrats admit they must work with Republicans to pass anything. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has already delivered wins for taxpayers—cutting foreign aid, reducing public media funding, and forcing agencies to operate leaner.
The Big Picture: Trump Winning, Schumer Losing
For Schumer, the political math is brutal. If he caves again, Democrats will face another revolt from their base. If he holds out, they’ll be blamed for a shutdown. Either way, President Trump’s America First agenda is setting the terms of the debate—forcing Washington to live within its means and exposing the weakness of Democrat leadership.
