Schumer Defiant Amid Calls for Resignation

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remains defiant against calls to step down after he supported a Republican-backed funding bill to avert a government shutdown, a decision that has faced significant backlash from his party. Schumer, who has been the Democratic leader since 2017, insists that avoiding a shutdown was necessary to prevent the Trump administration from wielding unchecked power to cut essential services. Critics, including progressive Democrats and figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, argue Schumer capitulated without securing concessions from Republicans. Despite the controversy, Schumer maintains that his decision was made out of conviction and for the country's greater good, highlighting the lack of leverage Democrats had in the situation. Protests have erupted, particularly in New York, demanding his resignation for what some perceive as a betrayal of Democratic values. Schumer has postponed his book tour amidst the unrest but has reiterated his commitment to leading the party against Trump's policies.