Chuck Schumer Humiliated After Fellow Dems Erupt in ‘Open Mutiny’
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is losing control of his caucus as Democrats remain divided and defiant over their own strategy to keep the government closed.
According to Axios, Schumer privately floated a proposal to temporarily reopen the government — but then publicly rejected the same idea in a bid to appear strong against Republicans and President Donald J. Trump. The contradiction has reportedly fueled what insiders describe as an “open mutiny” within his own party.
Schumer had planned to pass a short-term funding bill lasting seven to ten days, which would buy Democrats time to negotiate on Obamacare subsidies and other partisan priorities. But the party’s far-left flank — led by progressive lawmakers and activists — refused to back any compromise that didn’t meet their full list of demands.
Schumer’s Leadership Under Fire
This isn’t the first time Schumer has faced backlash from his own party. Back in March, he defended his decision to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
“I believe it is my job to make the best choice for the country, to minimize the harm to the American people. Therefore, I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down,” Schumer said on the Senate floor earlier this year.
But after an uproar from the progressive base — and rumors that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was considering a primary challenge against him — Schumer abruptly reversed course.
During a Monday press conference, when asked about the same short-term funding plan he had once supported, Schumer dismissed it outright, signaling a total cave to the far-left.
House Democrats, speaking to Axios, expressed frustration with the Senate leader’s inconsistency and lack of direction.
“I’m not sure why grandpa is doing this. This just shows how out of touch he is with where the American people are at,” one unnamed Democratic representative said.
White House Warns of Layoffs as Democrats Dig In
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that federal agencies are preparing for mass layoffs if Democrats continue blocking the stopgap spending bill.
“Democrats are holding the American people hostage over partisan wish lists,” Leavitt said.
The Republican-led House has already approved a clean continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding through late November. But Senate Democrats have blocked the bill eight times, even as OMB Director Russ Vought warned of mass firings if the impasse continues.
President Trump Protects Military Pay
While Democrats obstruct, President Trump has moved to shield service members from the effects of the shutdown. He directed the Pentagon to reallocate funds to guarantee military paychecks on October 15, ensuring troops and their families remain financially secure despite the funding freeze.
However, the same cannot be said for Senate staffers, who face an unfunded payday if the stalemate persists.
Democrats Push Obamacare Subsidies as Shutdown Condition
At the heart of the standoff is Democrats’ demand to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies before the November 1 open enrollment period. They argue that without immediate action, premiums will spike for millions of Americans.
President Trump, however, has drawn a firm line, refusing to reinstate subsidies tied to what he calls the “big, beautiful bill” that cut $1.5 trillion in wasteful spending.
“We’re not going back to the failed policies of the past,” Trump said earlier this week. “Democrats need to stop playing politics and help us reopen the government.”
Republicans have signaled a willingness to negotiate health care reforms — but only after the government reopens, not as a precondition for doing so.
“We can discuss Obamacare reforms later,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). “But holding the entire country hostage for political leverage is unacceptable.”
Cracks Forming in Schumer’s Wall
Some Senate Democrats are already breaking ranks. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Angus King (I-ME) have joined Republicans in supporting the House-passed CR. John Fetterman (D-PA), who had consistently voted with the GOP to reopen the government, missed Tuesday’s vote but remains a potential swing vote.
Despite Schumer’s efforts to project unity, insiders describe growing unease within the Democratic caucus — and deep frustration from voters who see the shutdown as manufactured political theater.
With the deadline passed and another missed paycheck approaching, pressure is building on Schumer to choose governance over gamesmanship.
“This shouldn’t be about party politics,” Thune said. “It’s about doing right by the American people.”