Democrats are scrambling after Senate leader Chuck Schumer backed down in the government funding fight. Schumer agreed to pass a Republican spending bill to avoid a shutdown, despite his party’s fierce objections. This move left many Democrats furious, accusing Schumer of surrendering to Trump and his allies.
The bill keeps the government open but hands President Trump sweeping power to shift funds wherever he wants. It cuts $13 billion from domestic programs while boosting military spending. Democrats called it a “blank check” for Trump to slash key priorities like border security and environmental projects.
Liberal lawmakers blasted Schumer for caving to Republican pressure. They argued the bill lets Trump’s team gut agencies by declaring workers “non-essential.” Some warned Trump could redirect money from fighting fentanyl to mass deportations. Others complained Congress is abandoning its duty to control spending.
Schumer claimed shutting down the government would’ve been worse. He said Trump would’ve taken total control during a shutdown, furloughing workers and shutting departments. But critics called this fearmongering. They said Schumer folded instead of fighting for a better deal.
Progressive groups are outraged. They say Democrats should’ve held firm for a 30-day extension to negotiate better terms. House Democrats had begged Senate colleagues to reject the bill entirely. But Schumer ignored their pleas, sparking tensions between House and Senate Democrats.
The deal marks another win for Trump. Earlier agreements forced spending caps Democrats now call “outdated.” This bill continues those limits, keeping budgets below levels both parties once accepted. Conservatives hail it as fiscal responsibility, while liberals see more painful cuts ahead.
Washington, D.C. got hammered in the deal. The bill cancels the city’s current budget, forcing cuts to local services. Democrats called this unfair meddling in local affairs. Mayor Bowser says D.C. must slash $1.1 billion quickly, hurting schools and public safety.
Schumer’s decision exposed deep Democratic divisions. While some praised avoiding a shutdown, others see weakness. The infighting casts doubt on Democrats’ ability to oppose Trump’s agenda. Conservatives argue this chaos shows why voters distrust liberal leadership on spending and governance.
