Chuck Schumer Faces Backlash Over Government Funding Vote — AOC Leads the Charge

Senator Chuck Schumer, 74, is no stranger to political storms, but the heat he’s facing now comes from within his own party. The longtime New York Democrat and current Senate Minority Leader is under fire after siding with Republicans to avert a government shutdown by voting to advance a short-term funding measure.

Leading the charge against him is fellow New Yorker and progressive firebrand Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who didn’t mince words when blasting Schumer’s move.

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Speaking with CNN, Ocasio-Cortez, 35, pulled no punches, calling Schumer’s actions a “tremendous mistake” and accusing him of handing over what little leverage Democrats had to Donald Trump. More pointedly, she took aim at the bill itself, labeling it as turning the government into a “slush fund for Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”

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Ocasio-Cortez’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among younger Democrats who feel sidelined by their party’s older leadership. The Stranger Things actress-turned-politician (kidding!) is now being mentioned as a potential challenger to Schumer in 2028 when his seat is up for grabs. Though she sidestepped questions about a primary run, she didn’t shut the door either.

While her net worth is not publicly confirmed, Ocasio-Cortez has often positioned herself as a voice for working-class Americans and progressive causes.

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Democratic Leadership Pushes Back, But Party Frustrations Boil Over

Ocasio-Cortez wasn’t alone in her criticism. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, another New Yorker, issued a scathing statement with other Democratic leaders condemning the bill. They argued it caters to far-right interests and empowers Trump further, with Jeffries declaring, “House Democrats will not be complicit.”

Frustrated Democrats on the ground, like State Senator Jabari Brisport, echoed AOC’s concerns and voiced growing disillusionment with Schumer’s long tenure. Brisport even hinted that it’s time for a new generation to take the reins.

Schumer Defends His Decision

For his part, Schumer, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 million as of 2025, stood by his choice, arguing that avoiding a shutdown outweighed the flaws in the bill. Writing in The New York Times, he stated, “The risk of allowing the president to take even more power via a government shutdown is a much worse path.”

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Schumer’s defenders point out that House Democrats had the luxury of voting “no,” knowing Republicans had enough votes to pass the measure regardless. They argue that Schumer’s move helped prevent chaos and broader consequences that would have hit everyday Americans.

Trump Applauds Schumer, Stirring More Tension

Ironically, Schumer’s stance won praise from an unlikely source — Donald Trump himself, who posted, “Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage!” on social media. For many Democrats, Trump’s nod only poured gasoline on the already burning frustration.

What’s Next for Schumer and the Democrats?

With growing whispers of potential primary challenges and younger Democrats eager to shift the party’s direction, Schumer may find himself navigating more than just policy debates in the coming years.

As the dust settles, all eyes will be on whether rising stars like Ocasio-Cortez will continue to apply pressure from the left—or make a move for the Senate seat themselves.

Should AOC run against Schumer in 2028? Share your thoughts below!