Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) expressed his discontent with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, advocating for a change in leadership within the Democratic Party.
“I believed it was essential to ensure that we prevent that bill from passing,” Ivey remarked regarding the GOP’s continuing resolution aimed at funding the government for the remainder of the fiscal year, primarily at the same funding levels established under President Joe Biden.
“I was profoundly disappointed that Senator Schumer chose to side with the Republicans. It’s a troubling sign when you receive a personal tweet from Donald Trump thanking you for your vote,” Ivey added, referencing Trump’s acknowledgment of Schumer’s support for the spending bill.
Ivey further proposed that the Democrats should not merely represent their constituents and the nation but should instead adopt a stance of strict opposition to Trump and the Republicans, regardless of the circumstances. “We don’t want to be in that position. It is crucial for us to ensure that, during this pivotal time, we have leaders who will guide us in the right direction. [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries [D-N.Y.] led the charge against the continuing resolution with a vote of 213 to one,” Ivey stated.
“Schumer was on the opposing side. Hakeem rose to the occasion while Schumer did not. I have great respect for Chuck Schumer; he has had a long and commendable career and accomplished much. However, I believe it may be time for Senate Democrats to consider new leadership as we progress,” Ivey concluded, suggesting that his party should have opted to shut down the government despite past warnings of dire consequences if the GOP were to do so.
In response, Schumer robustly defended his vote on various news platforms this week, including CBS Mornings, where he contended that a government shutdown would have facilitated the Project 2025-inspired reduction of federal operations while simultaneously undermining the courts—an essential mechanism for Democrats to counter Trump’s agenda. Schumer also elaborated on CBS.
