Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is facing criticism from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) after recent remarks during an interview with PBS, in which Schumer acknowledged that Democrats are actively organizing to pressure Republican lawmakers in their home districts.

Johnson responded by accusing Schumer of encouraging harassment and incitement against members of Congress.
During the PBS interview, Schumer stated, “We are mobilizing in New York, we have people going to the Republican districts and going after–going after Republicans who are voting for this and forcing them either change their vote or face the consequences.”
Chuck Schumer has now admitted to the plan I laid out: “We are mobilizing… We have people going to Republican districts and going after Republicans.”
He says they’re doing this to force Republican vote changes or they’ll “face the consequences.”
These townhalls aren’t organic. https://t.co/MQXIAiGrbi pic.twitter.com/WebeMYCISx
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) March 20, 2025
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Speaker Johnson shared a response Friday night via social media, citing the interview directly and linking to a Fox News report covering the fallout of Schumer’s comments.
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“In his desperation, Chuck Schumer has now crossed a serious red line by telling PBS he is organizing and encouraging radical activists to ‘go after’ Republican members of Congress and ‘force them to either change their votes or face the consequences!’ His recruits are now crashing and disrupting private gatherings and even local school events, screaming profanities, and physically assaulting people,” Johnson wrote.
“The madness must stop before someone gets hurt!”
In his desperation, Chuck Schumer has now crossed a serious red line by telling PBS he is organizing and encouraging radical activists to “go after” Republican members of Congress and “force them to either change their votes or face the consequences!” His recruits are now…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 22, 2025
Johnson’s post included a link to a Fox News article containing a video clip showing activists disrupting a private event hosted by the Rockland Business Association, where Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) was speaking.
The protesters, who reportedly purchased tickets to the luncheon, shouted “Lawless Lawler” and held up signs, including one that read “Elon’s Puppet.”
According to Fox News, the situation escalated when attendees attempted to remove the protesters, resulting in physical altercations.
Lawler’s communications director, Ciro Riccardi, told Fox News Digital, “It’s outrageous that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is inciting far-left activists to harass and intimidate Republican members of Congress.”
The incident involving Rep. Lawler is not isolated.
According to reports, similar disruptions have occurred at events held by other Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY).
Johnson also shared a video montage on Sunday featuring media commentary and Democratic leaders acknowledging the party’s leadership gap.
The clip included Johnson’s interview with Mark Levin on Fox News, where he further addressed the ongoing tensions.
Even the Democrats themselves acknowledge: They are a party without a leader. pic.twitter.com/oqI9p0A4Du
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 23, 2025
Meanwhile, Schumer continued his media appearances, including an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he responded to criticism from within his own party.
Progressive groups such as Justice Democrats have called for his resignation following a vote to advance a continuing resolution (CR) earlier this month, rather than allowing a government shutdown.
“Look, I’m not stepping down,” Schumer told NBC moderator Kristen Welker, acknowledging increasing pressure from Democrats.
“I’m prepared to face a lot of controversy.”
Schumer also postponed a scheduled book tour, as criticism from both sides has increased.
Liberal activists have posted clips of his recent media appearances on social media, with some calling for new leadership.
The ongoing situation highlights growing internal divisions within the Democratic Party while raising questions about the tactics being used to confront Republican lawmakers in their own districts.
Speaker Johnson and several GOP members have made it clear they view Schumer’s remarks as a catalyst for aggressive and potentially dangerous behavior by political activists.
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