AOC Challenges Schumer As Democrats Fracture Over Shutdown

The Democratic Party is in turmoil as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) takes aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for backing down in the latest government funding battle. Schumer announced Thursday that he would not block a Republican-led stopgap bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, a move that has enraged the progressive wing of his party.

CNN reports that Ocasio-Cortez is actively working to mobilize Democrats against Schumer’s decision, with some of her allies privately encouraging her to launch a primary challenge against him.

When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper whether she believes Schumer is a weak leader, AOC dodged the question but made it clear that she sees his decision as a betrayal.

“I don’t think it’s what New Yorkers want. I don’t think it’s what the country wants,” she said, urging Democrats to reconsider their support for Schumer’s stance before the final vote.

The rift in the Democratic Party is growing, with House Democrat leaders openly rejecting Schumer’s position. Instead, they are pushing a separate one-month funding bill, vowing that “House Democrats will not be complicit” in passing the GOP measure.

• Schumer’s about-face signals internal Democratic weakness, as he shifts from resisting the GOP to conceding the reality of a shutdown’s consequences.

• AOC and her progressive allies are refusing to compromise, signaling that the Democratic infighting will not end anytime soon.

• Schumer defended his decision, insisting he was acting in the best interest of the country despite knowing he would face backlash.

Meanwhile, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) broke with his party earlier, becoming the first Democrat to announce that he would not block the GOP stopgap bill.

While Democrats implode, Republicans have remained unified. The House GOP passed the six-month funding bill earlier this week, ensuring that essential government services and military operations remain funded.

Schumer’s retreat comes as Trump and his administration push to keep the government running while setting the stage for major policy battles on national defense, tax cuts, and border security. The Democratic chaos only strengthens Trump’s position, making it clear which party is ready to lead.

With AOC now positioning herself as Schumer’s biggest threat, the Democratic Party is at war with itself. And as usual, it’s the American people who will pay the price for their dysfunction.

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