Sen. Chuck Schumer Responds to Calls For Him To Step Aside as Dem Disarray Deepens [WATCH]

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing growing pressure from within his own party after he reversed course and voted in favor of a continuing resolution to keep the government funded.

The vote took place on March 13 and has since sparked criticism from both progressive and moderate Democrats.

Schumer, 74, had previously pledged not to support the measure, signaling a tough stance in ongoing budget negotiations.

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His last-minute decision to vote “aye” has drawn sharp rebukes from high-profile Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

Both Pelosi and Ocasio-Cortez have voiced dissatisfaction with Schumer’s leadership in the aftermath of the vote.

Pelosi, who played a leading role in persuading President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, has reportedly questioned whether Schumer’s leadership remains viable.

Ocasio-Cortez has also made public remarks strongly critical of the Senate Minority Leader’s decision.

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Despite the mounting pressure, Schumer made it clear during a pre-taped interview on NBC’s Meet the Press that he has no intention of stepping down from his position.

“Look, I’m not stepping down,” Schumer said during the interview, which aired Sunday.

“I did it out of pure conviction as to what a leader should do and what the right thing for America and my party was. People disagree.”

BREAKING: “I’m not stepping down” — Chuck Schumer fires back at Pelosi over resignation calls pic.twitter.com/dW2EpwDt9o

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 23, 2025

Schumer defended his support for the funding resolution, insisting that his decision was made in the best interest of the country and party.

However, many within the Democratic caucus argue the continuing resolution was a rare opportunity to gain leverage over Republicans, and that Schumer gave it away without securing significant concessions.

The growing criticism follows a larger trend of internal friction within the Democratic Party, particularly between the establishment leadership and younger, more progressive members of Congress. Schumer’s handling of the vote has further widened that divide.

During his Meet the Press appearance, Schumer also warned of what he called a “constitutional crisis,” citing the current political climate and disputes over congressional authority.

He described the situation as a “threat to democracy,” language that echoes past Democratic messaging on national political tensions.

Chuck Schumer says “democracy is at risk” because President Trump deported illegal immigrant members of the brutal Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador.

Why are Democrats so bent on defending illegal immigrant killers, rapists, and gang members? pic.twitter.com/MxG2Uvn9D4

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The phrase has been used frequently in recent years, particularly surrounding election-related issues and disputes with the Supreme Court, but polling and election results suggest it may no longer resonate with a majority of voters.

Despite that, Schumer maintained his stance and dismissed suggestions that he had undermined his own position within the party.

As of now, Schumer remains in his leadership role, though calls for a change in Senate Democratic leadership continue to grow.

Whether the internal party pressure will translate into action remains to be seen in the weeks ahead.

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