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• A grassroots Democratic group, Pass the Torch, is calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign.
• The call comes after Schumer voted to advance a Republican stopgap spending bill, avoiding a government shutdown.
• Schumer’s decision has sparked outrage and feelings of betrayal among many Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The controversy surrounds Schumer’s vote on a GOP-written stopgap spending bill, which many Democrats oppose due to its cuts in domestic funding and additions for migrant deportations. Schumer argued that voting for the bill was the best option to avoid a government shutdown, which he believed would be worse.

Core Players

• Chuck Schumer – Senate Minority Leader (D-N.Y.)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative (D-N.Y.)
• Pass the Torch – Grassroots Democratic group
• Donald Trump – President Trump
• Elon Musk – Business magnate and ally of President Trump

Key Numbers

• $12 billion – Cuts in domestic funding in the GOP-written stopgap bill
• 2028 – Year Schumer is up for reelection, which Ocasio-Cortez might challenge
• 8 – Number of Democratic votes needed for cloture on the spending bill

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Schumer’s decision to vote for the GOP’s spending bill was seen as a betrayal by many Democrats, who felt it empowered President Trump and his ally Elon Musk. This move followed Schumer’s initial stance against the bill, which he later reversed to avoid a government shutdown.

“Chuck Schumer is unwilling and unable to meet the moment,” said Pass the Torch in a statement. “His sole job is to fight MAGA’s fascist takeover of our democracy — instead, he’s directly enabling it.”

Inside Forces

The Democratic Party is facing internal strife, with many members feeling that Schumer’s leadership is not effective in opposing the Trump administration’s agenda. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed outrage and did not rule out the possibility of primarying Schumer in 2028.

“I think it is a huge slap in the face, and there is a wide sense of betrayal if things proceed as originally planned,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

Power Dynamics

Schumer’s decision has highlighted the power dynamics within the Democratic Party, where some members feel he is not leading effectively against the Republican agenda. Other prominent Democrats, such as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have also criticized Schumer’s move.

“Democrats have the ability to force bipartisanship and bring the two sides together to make a budget that reflects priorities we all ought to share,” Pritzker said.

Outside Impact

The fallout from Schumer’s decision extends beyond the Democratic Party, affecting the broader political landscape. It underscores the challenges Democrats face in opposing the Trump administration’s policies, especially with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress.

“The strength of our leadership in this moment is going to demonstrate the strength of our caucus,” Ocasio-Cortez said, emphasizing the need for a coherent collective strategy.

Future Forces

The long-term implications of Schumer’s decision could impact the Democratic Party’s ability to regain power in future elections. The party’s response to the Trump administration’s agenda will be crucial in determining voter enthusiasm in the coming midterms.

“The Democratic response or lack thereof to Republicans and the Trump agenda will be determinative of voters’ enthusiasm to turn out for them in the coming midterm year,” analysts note.

Data Points

• March 14, 2025 – Date Schumer voted for the GOP’s spending bill
• 2024 – Year of the previous election, which saw significant Democratic losses
• 2028 – Year Schumer is up for reelection
• $1 billion – Funding restored for the Washington, D.C., government in Schumer’s amendment