I’m Leaving Democrat Party After Schumer ‘Folded Like a Paper Napkin’ [WATCH]

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is under fire from within his own party following his support for a stopgap spending bill that averted a government shutdown.

MSNBC’s The Weekend panelists and several Democratic lawmakers criticized Schumer’s decision, calling it a failure of leadership and a political miscalculation.

On Saturday, MSNBC host Michael Steele questioned how Republicans managed to pressure Schumer into backing the bill despite opposition from within his own party.

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

“What are Republicans thinking right now about their ability to absolutely punk Schumer into making this move the way he did, when he knew that that’s not where his party was?” Steele asked.

Schumer defended his decision, arguing that a shutdown would have played into the hands of President Donald Trump.

“The reality here is there was no message, no strategy, and, at the end of the day, no leadership. And this is really a black mark, I think, on Chuck Schumer,” former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), now an MSNBC analyst, said.

“You cannot signal on Wednesday that you want to fight, and then on Thursday, you cave. And so now Republicans know that all they have to do is play Democrats, and it will work.”

American Made Patriotic Apparel – Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

MSNBC host Symone Sanders Townsend voiced her frustration over the spending bill’s passage. “I’m pissed,” Townsend said.

“There’s actually little that the Senate Minority Leader can say, and the 10 Democrats that voted with the Republicans can say, to appease somebody like me. I’m going to change my registration to Independent.”

The Senate passed the stopgap measure by a vote of 54-46, just ahead of the deadline to prevent a shutdown.

The bill needed 51 votes to pass, with nearly all Republicans supporting it.

Among Democrats, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine broke ranks to support the bill. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was among those who voted against it.

Townsend also read from journalist Rebecca Traister’s Substack, which criticized Democrats for warning about the dangers of Trump while failing to stand up to him and his party.

“There’s not another option for Senate Democrats or House Democrats to effectively push back. This was it. They blew it,” Townsend said.

“The Democratic Tea Party was born the same day that Chuck Schumer took to that podium to read that very well-crafted statement that told us he folded like a paper napkin.”

MSNBC’s Alicia Menendez reported that some Democratic lawmakers were privately urging Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to launch a primary challenge against Schumer.

“Anyone can primary him,” Townsend added in response.

Schumer also faced criticism from Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who appeared on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday.

Crockett rejected Schumer’s argument that a shutdown would have been worse for Democrats. “Absolutely wrong,” she said.

When asked if Senate Democrats should consider replacing Schumer, Crockett responded, “I think Senate Democrats have to sit down and take a look and decide whether or not Chuck Schumer is the one to lead in this moment.”

Schumer defended his actions during an MSNBC interview on Friday, using strong language to describe congressional Republicans.

“It’s much, much better not to be in the middle of a shutdown, which [would] divert people from the number one issue we have against these bastards,” he said before quickly correcting himself, adding, “Sorry, these people.”

DESPERATE CHUCK SCHUMER CALLS REPUBLICANS “BASTARDS”

“It’s much, much better not to be in the middle of a shutdown, which would divert people from the number one issue we have against these bastards!”

“They’re ruining democracy!” pic.twitter.com/9i90rfOv9z

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 14, 2025

As frustration grows within Democratic ranks, Schumer faces increasing pressure from both progressive and moderate factions.

The fallout from the spending bill debate has sparked new discussions about the party’s leadership and direction heading into the next election cycle.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.