Sen. Schumer Faces Backlash After Saying Government Shutdown Is ‘Getting Better for Us’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is under fire after admitting in a Wednesday interview that the ongoing federal government shutdown is politically benefiting Democrats — even as military families face the possibility of missing paychecks, as reported by The Western Journal.

Speaking with Punchbowl News, Schumer, a New York Democrat who has served in the Senate for nearly three decades, said the shutdown has been improving Democrats’ political standing. “Every day gets better for us,” Schumer said.

The remark drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, political staffers, and voters across social media, who accused Schumer of treating the shutdown like a political game while millions of Americans face uncertainty.

Chuck Schumer is admitting the Democrat Shutdown—where they are hurting everyday Americans— is a positive thing.

Every Democrat should be asked if they agree with Schumer.

Vile. Craven. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/OgPuXYTXYA

— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) October 9, 2025

Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X, formerly Twitter, calling Schumer’s statement “a vile sentiment.”
“Better for Schumer. Worse for Americans. What a vile sentiment from an alleged leader in our country,” Vance wrote.

Better for Schumer. Worse for Americans.

What a vile sentiment from an alleged leader in our country. https://t.co/P9bpss06s1

— JD Vance (@JDVance) October 9, 2025

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Joanna Rodriguez, communications director for Senate Republicans, also condemned Schumer’s comments, emphasizing the hardship that could soon hit U.S. service members and their families.

“Imagine how sick you have to be to say it’s only going to get ‘better for us’ when military families are about to go without paychecks?” she wrote.

Ryan Wrasse, communications director for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, called Schumer’s statement “tone-deaf” and said it revealed misplaced priorities.

“Days before military families will miss paychecks, Sen. Schumer proclaims that ‘every day gets better for [Democrats].’ The American people lose in a #SchumerShutdown, but Sen. Schumer seems more focused on which political party ‘wins,’” Wrasse wrote.

The current government shutdown, dubbed by critics as the “Schumer Shutdown,” began after lawmakers failed to pass a temporary spending bill before the October 1 deadline.

Both chambers have been locked in negotiations over federal funding priorities, with disputes centering on immigration, tax policy, and defense spending.

Republicans have introduced multiple proposals to reopen the government, but Senate Democrats have refused to support them, demanding that certain provisions tied to Trump-era tax cuts be repealed.

The political fallout from the shutdown is already intensifying, particularly among military families and federal workers who could soon miss their next pay cycle if Congress does not reach an agreement.

Schumer’s remarks also come amid growing tension within his own party. Earlier this year, he faced internal criticism from progressives after resisting a government shutdown during a prior budget fight.

His latest comments have fueled speculation that he is attempting to appeal to far-left voters ahead of a potential primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

The White House has not commented on Schumer’s statement, and the Senate Democratic caucus has remained largely silent in response to the controversy.

As negotiations continue, both chambers are expected to reconvene later this week to consider a new short-term funding proposal, though prospects for bipartisan agreement remain uncertain.

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