Schumer Faces Progressive Fury, Delays Book Tour Over Spending Bill/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has postponed his book tour for “Antisemitism in America: A Warning”, following intense backlash from liberal groups over his support for a Republican spending bill. The decision, attributed to security concerns, comes as progressive activists plan protests, accusing Schumer of enabling Trump’s agenda. House Democrats and key liberal organizations have condemned his vote, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refusing to back him publicly. Schumer defends his decision, arguing that a government shutdown would have given Trump even greater power to slash funding and eliminate federal programs.
Schumer Postpones Book Tour Amid Progressive Uproar Over Spending Vote: Quick Looks
- Book Tour Canceled: Schumer postpones events in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other cities.
- Security Concerns Cited: His book team blames “security issues” after progressive groups plan protests.
- Democratic Backlash: House Democrats call his support for the Republican-led spending bill “unacceptable.”
- Jeffries Refuses to Endorse Schumer: The House Democratic leader won’t say if he still supports Schumer’s leadership.
- Liberal Activists Mobilize: Groups like MoveOn and Indivisible vow to hold Schumer accountable.
- Schumer’s Defense: He argues the spending bill was “terrible” but better than allowing Trump unchecked budget-cutting power.
Chuck Schumer Delays Book Tour as Progressives Revolt Over Spending Vote
Democratic Infighting Escalates Over Government Funding Bill
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has postponed multiple book tour events this week after liberal activists planned protests against his support for a Republican-led spending bill.
Schumer was scheduled to promote his book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other cities. However, his team announced that the tour would be rescheduled due to security concerns, as anger from progressive groups and House Democrats grows over his recent budget vote.
Why Are Progressives Furious?
Last week, Schumer voted to advance a Republican-backed spending bill, arguing that while the legislation was “terrible,” it was still preferable to a prolonged government shutdown.
“A shutdown would have given Trump even more power to make devastating cuts across the government, and so many programs would be lost,” Schumer explained.
But his argument has failed to satisfy progressives. House Democratic leaders strongly opposed his vote, issuing a joint statement condemning his decision:
“We will not be complicit,” Democratic leaders wrote.
Jeffries Distances Himself from Schumer
The internal rift in the Democratic Party deepened Friday when House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries refused to express confidence in Schumer’s leadership.
During a press conference, Jeffries was repeatedly asked whether he still backed Schumer but dodged the question, a rare break between the two longtime New York allies.
“We do not want to shut down the government. But we are not afraid of a government funding showdown,” Jeffries said, signaling his displeasure with Schumer’s approach.
Progressive Activists Mobilize Against Schumer
Beyond Democratic lawmakers, some of the most influential liberal groups in the country have condemned Schumer’s willingness to compromise with Republicans.
- Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin urged activists to confront Schumer at town halls and public events.
- MoveOn, a progressive group with nearly 10 million members, promised protests to demand accountability.
MoveOn spokesperson Joel Payne directly blamed Schumer for handing Trump and Elon Musk more power:
“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.”
Schumer and Jeffries Meet as Internal Pressure Mounts
Schumer met with Jeffries in Brooklyn on Sunday, but sources familiar with the meeting say that tensions remain high.
Even if Schumer reschedules his book tour, his standing among progressive Democrats is in serious jeopardy. With Trump aggressively reshaping the federal government, progressives fear that Schumer’s willingness to compromise will weaken their ability to resist GOP policies.
What’s Next?
- Will Schumer reschedule his book tour, or face ongoing backlash?
- Will Jeffries and House Democrats attempt to challenge Schumer’s leadership?
- How will progressive groups escalate their opposition?
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