In a recent development, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has decided to postpone several promotional events for his new book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” due to planned protests by liberal groups. Events in cities such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C., among others, were postponed following criticism from the Democratic Party’s liberal base regarding Schumer’s recent vote in favor of advancing Republican spending legislation. According to Risa Heller, a representative for Schumer’s book, the events were rescheduled because of “security concerns.”
Schumer acknowledged the spending bill as being far from ideal but emphasized the potential downsides of a government shutdown, which he considered even more detrimental. He argued that the government shutdown during the tenure of President Donald Trump had already resulted in significant job and funding cuts across various federal agencies. A new shutdown would potentially give Trump greater leverage to deepen those cuts, leading to the loss of numerous programs, Schumer explained.
However, his decision did not sit well with House Democrats, who expressed strong dissatisfaction. In a joint statement, Democratic leaders made it clear that they would not support Schumer’s stance, stating, “We will not be complicit.” This discord within the party exposes an underlying tension that has been brewing after years of apparent unity during Trump’s presidency and the subsequent period under President Joe Biden. Democrats have grown increasingly frustrated with their perceived lack of power to counteract Trump’s decisions regarding Cabinet appointments and the dismissal of federal employees.
During a press conference, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries carefully sidestepped questions about his confidence in Schumer. Jeffries, a fellow New Yorker and long-time associate of Schumer, emphasized a willingness to face a budgetary showdown. “We do not want to shut down the government. But we are not afraid of a government funding showdown,” Jeffries remarked.
Schumer and Jeffries reportedly met in Brooklyn on Sunday, a gathering confirmed by individuals familiar with the situation. However, the unrest surrounding Schumer’s decision extended beyond House leadership. Progressive groups across the nation have voiced concerns over potential political fallout.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of the activist group Indivisible, announced on social media that Democratic activists were preparing to channel their discontent at town halls and public events. Meanwhile, MoveOn, a significant progressive organization with nearly 10 million members, anticipated demands for accountability from Democratic officials. Joel Payne, a MoveOn spokesperson, stated, “Clearing the way for Donald Trump and Elon Musk to gut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is unacceptable. It’s past time for Democrats to fight and stop acting like it’s business as usual.”
Despite the postponement of Schumer’s book event, some protesters in Baltimore still gathered outside the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Though many focused on Schumer’s strong advocacy for Israel, several speakers criticized his vote on the spending bill. Protest signs proclaimed, “Schumer is a coward” and “Chuck sold us out.”
An organizer at the protest expressed satisfaction over having prevented Schumer’s appearance in Baltimore, promising a stronger protest if he were to return. Nikki Morse, from the Baltimore chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, asserted, “If Sen. Schumer wants to come back, we’ll be even more prepared.”
