March 19, 2025, 6:11 pm ET
In a significant escalation of internal Democratic Party conflict, Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland became the first Democratic congressman to publicly call for the resignation of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. This development follows Schumer’s support for a Republican measure to maintain government operations, which has drawn sharp criticism from progressive factions within the party, including the advocacy group Indivisible.
Backlash Begins
The controversy began on March 15, 2025, when Schumer announced his support for the GOP bill to avoid a government shutdown. Indivisible quickly responded with a call for Schumer’s resignation, citing widespread dissatisfaction among their leadership. By March 16, Indivisible’s statement had garnered substantial support, with 82% of its New York leaders and 91% nationwide backing the demand.
The progressive advocacy organization accused Schumer of surrendering to Republican and Trump administration policies, arguing that a government shutdown could have been leveraged as a powerful tool against the GOP and President Trump.
Schumer’s Rationale
Schumer, however, defended his decision, stating that a government shutdown would have further empowered President Trump and business magnate Elon Musk. He believed the move would be detrimental to the country as a whole. The Senate Minority Leader acknowledged the difficulty of his decision but asserted that it was made with the best interests of the nation in mind. “I firmly believe, and always have, that I made the right choice,” Schumer said.
The Struggle Within
The incident highlights the deepening rift within the Democratic Party, pitting moderate leaders like Schumer against progressive factions who demand a more aggressive stance against Republican policies. Glenn Ivey’s call for Schumer’s removal marks a critical moment in this internal struggle, as it elevates the conflict from grassroots activists to the halls of Congress.
Indivisible’s Stance
Indivisible’s co-executive director, Ezra Levin, expressed the organization’s frustration, stating, “After weeks of constituents urging Democrats to utilize this crucial leverage point regarding the government funding bill, Schumer chose to do the opposite.” Levin emphasized that Indivisible was determined not to capitulate to Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans, framing Schumer’s decision as a surrender.
Public and Political Reactions
Beyond the immediate calls for resignation, the incident has sparked widespread discontent on social media platforms, with Democrats expressing their frustration over Schumer’s decision. The conflict also raises questions about the future leadership of the Senate and the Democratic Party as a whole, as well as the potential impacts on upcoming legislative battles and government operations.
The growing polarization within the Democratic Party between moderate and progressive factions is evident in this controversy. The dispute underscores the challenges facing the party as it navigates internal divisions while trying to mount effective opposition to Republican policies and the Trump administration.
