Thune Warns Schumer Could Push For Government Shutdown To Appease Far Left

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is sounding the alarm that Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), may intentionally push the country toward a government shutdown in the coming weeks. With fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills looming ahead of the September 30 deadline, Thune says Democrats appear unwilling to work across the aisle, prioritizing their far-left base over the needs of the country.

Appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Thune criticized Schumer and Senate Democrats for stonewalling crucial initiatives under President Donald Trump’s second term. “We have got a couple, three or four [bills] now reported out of the Appropriations Committee. We’re going to try and get one up on the floor next week. And I hope we will find that the Democrats want to work with us,” Thune said. “They haven’t demonstrated much of a willingness on anything so far. It’s obstruct, it’s delay, it’s block. That’s been the pattern. And it’s Trump Derangement Syndrome on full display here in the United States Senate.”

The recent passage of a $9 billion rescissions package cutting wasteful foreign aid and public broadcasting programs has only deepened partisan tensions. Schumer blasted Republicans for taking back funds that were originally part of a so-called bipartisan agreement, calling the move “an affront” to the legislative process.

Thune’s warning comes at a pivotal moment:

• Republicans are moving ahead with President Trump’s fiscal priorities, including the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which advanced without a filibuster.

• Schumer has indicated Democrats may refuse cooperation if Republicans continue rolling back spending on progressive pet projects.

• The far-left wing of the Democrat Party, increasingly influential in states like New York, is pressuring party leaders to adopt more radical stances—potentially even at the cost of a government shutdown.

When asked if Schumer might deliberately welcome a shutdown, Thune didn’t rule it out. “I think he probably thinks that it’s beneficial to their political base, the far left of the Democrat Party,” Thune said, referencing recent victories by socialist candidates like Zohran Mamdani in New York City. “This is a party struggling for an identity. This is a party that’s completely out of step with the mainstream of this country.”

The stakes are high. According to recent polling, over 60% of Americans blame government dysfunction on Washington politicians who refuse to compromise—an opinion that could backfire on Democrats if they are seen as forcing a shutdown to appease progressive activists. Historically, government shutdowns have hurt the party viewed as causing them, with Gallup reporting a sharp drop in approval ratings for perceived instigators during past crises.

Thune emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation but warned that Democrats’ “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is clouding their ability to govern responsibly. “Keeping the government funded is good for the country,” Thune said. “But if their recent track record is any indication, they’re under a tremendous amount of pressure from that far-left wing of the Democrat Party to shut the government down.”

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the battle shaping America’s future.