In a surprising turn of events, Senate Democrats have extended a helping hand to a struggling Trump administration by compromising on the U.S. government shutdown. This decision has sparked division within the Democratic Party and has diverted attention from the administration’s ongoing challenges.
Eight Senators broke ranks with the Democratic caucus to cast their votes with Republicans to re-open the government, gaining only a temporary reprieve on funding and a vote on healthcare that is likely to fail.
Schumer Faces Backlash from the Base
Following significant electoral victories for Democrats in recent elections, this move has enraged the party’s grassroots supporters and prompted some House Democrats to urge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down.
UPDATE — Here are at least 11 congressional Democrats, 11 Democratic-aligned organizations, and 6 Democratic Senate candidates calling for Chuck Schumer to resign as leader: https://t.co/SN1owk5C4b pic.twitter.com/n7hGSDq7Xq
— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) November 12, 2025
Notable figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies and progressive Bernie Sanders have not joined the outcry. Although Schumer did not vote with the eight Senators in favor of the government reopening, he is under scrutiny for his handling of the situation.
The “Rotating Villain” Tactic Loses Effectiveness
As more individuals recognize the “rotating villain” strategy coined by Glenn Greenwald, the effectiveness of this tactic appears to wane. Previously, conservative Democratic Senators like Joe Lieberman, Joe Manchin, and Kyrsten Sinema employed this approach. Now, it seems that progressive John Fetterman has taken up this role.
Fetterman (PA) was joined by fellow Democrats, including Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Dick Durbin (IL), Tim Kaine (VA), Maggie Hassan (NH), Jacky Rosen (NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), and independent Angus King (ME).
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 12, 2025
The Illusion of Unity Crumbles
Despite the attempts of MSNBC host Symone Sanders to downplay the matter, Schumer’s position remains precarious. One of the eight Senators, Tim Kaine, acknowledged to a CNBC reporter that they were not alone in their sentiment about the vote. Shaheen also confirmed that they kept leadership updated on their discussions.
Adding to Schumer’s troubles, Robert Kuttner reported:
It has been widely assumed that the group of eight mostly centrist Senate Democrats, who have been looking to broker a hollow deal on Republican terms, were freelancing. In fact, they were acting with the express approval of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and were reporting to him daily.
During a Thursday meeting, they informed their caucus colleagues that they secured ten votes for reopening the government, in exchange for negligible concessions from the Republicans. This revelation caused an uproar among the caucus, leading some dissenters to clarify their positions.
Eventually, the leaders of this proposed compromise, Sens. Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, and Catherine Cortez Masto, shifted their stances. Only then did Schumer publicly propose reopening the government while extending ACA subsidies and establishing a bipartisan commission for a lasting solution.
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The question remains why Schumer continues to engage in what appears to be capitulation without tangible gains. Democrats presently have political momentum, Republicans are fractured, and a significant portion of the electorate holds Republicans responsible for the shutdown.
In a critique, Jeet Heer remarked in The Nation:
Even though he brokered the deal, Schumer indicated Sunday that he won’t endorse it. It’s evident he aims to allow other Democrats to bear the consequences.
Heer also referenced historian Aaron Astor’s statement:
This could prove disastrous for Schumer. However, it might elevate the significance of healthcare affordability leading up to November if ACA subsidies aren’t renewed. Following last Tuesday’s election, Democrats recognize that affordability is key to 2026, as it previously undermined the party’s success in 2024. The GOP has failed to present a viable alternative to the ACA, meaning they will be accountable for any premium hikes, regardless of their stance. Schumer’s messaging on this issue has been inadequate, and resentment towards him within the Democratic base is palpable.
While Schumer might have jeopardized his political future, evidence from the Democratic Party’s reaction to Joe Lieberman’s 2006 primary loss suggests that modern politicians often prioritize other interests over their electoral prospects.
Follow the Money
Despite Jon Stewart’s comedic take blaming Democratic “incompetence,” historian Nate Holdren’s insight was more accurate: “It feels more like a boxer taking a dive due to behind-the-scenes factors, suggesting there’s more money in losing the match.”
David Sirota’s The Lever reports that lobbyists from the restaurant and food industries influenced the emergency spending bill, resulting in the elimination of regulations aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses. Notably, three of the Democrats who crossed party lines—Kaine, Rosen, and Durbin—received a total of $17,000 from these lobbyists.
The Lever also highlighted that the airline industry has contributed $842,500 to seven of the dissenting Democrats since 2019, with:
$218,000—accounting for a significant 10% of the industry’s election cycle PAC spending—allocated to Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) since 2019. Rosen ranks airlines among her top donors, alongside health care and insurance.
However, Schumer’s true objective may have been preserving the Senate filibuster, which requires a super majority of 60 votes to pass legislation.
Did Schumer Safeguard the Filibuster?
Historian Keith Orejel expressed frustration, tweeting, “Let’s be honest. The Democrats compromised on healthcare to protect the filibuster because they don’t want to be held accountable for implementing meaningful change when back in power.”
No matter the reasoning behind Schumer’s actions, his tenure is now under scrutiny, especially with three years remaining in his term. His Senate seat in New York is becoming an enticing opportunity for Congressional Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 12, 2025
Schumer’s so-called noble sacrifice could become a centrist legend, as the filibuster was at risk, with a troubled Trump administration advocating for its elimination, according to Punchbowl News:
NEWS — INSIDE THE ROOM according to several GOP senators…
Once reporters left, Trump commented that the shutdown had been “more detrimental for us than for them” and suggested that the GOP is on a path to becoming a “dead party” unless they eliminate the filibuster. Following a back-and-forth with Lindsey Graham, Trump insisted, “Lindsey, you and I both know there’s so much you can’t do with reconciliation…”
Trump Administration Celebrates
The beleaguered Trump administration expressed satisfaction with the outcome, as relayed by Mehdi Hasan’s Zeteo:
White House officials and Trump aides exhibited nearly uncontainable delight when discussing how the Democrats capitulated to their demands, frequently referring to them as “losers” and “pussies” as they celebrated a successful resolution to a situation that had been politically damaging for Republicans.
Evidence of Trump’s Weakness
For those skeptical of the repeated references to “teetering Trump,” recent polling indicates substantial issues for his administration regarding the shutdown and electoral outcomes:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 12, 2025
The failure to renew subsidies for Obamacare significantly impacts Trump’s voter base:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 12, 2025
His support is dwindling among the younger demographics that contributed to his victory in 2024:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 12, 2025
Schumer’s capitulation represents one of the rare pieces of positive news for Trump in recent times.
Before detailing the array of Trump’s mounting challenges, it’s critical to look into the “process” behind his controversial 50-year mortgage proposal:
“On Saturday evening, Pulte arrived at Trump’s Palm Beach Golf Club with a roughly 3-by-5 poster board in hand,” according to Dasha and Sophia’s report. “A graphic of former President Franklin Roosevelt appeared below ‘30-year mortgage,’ and one of Trump below ‘50-year…”
— Jonathan Martin (@jmart) November 11, 2025
This is the same Bill Pulte that Bessant recently threatened in September.
As we evaluate the political landscape further, consider the reactions to Trump’s presidency among those who are traditionally aligned with the MAGA movement. Many critiques point to a disconnect between him and his base, particularly his alliances with establishment figures, alongside perceived failures to address critical domestic and foreign policies.
Consequently, while Trump may be managing to hold onto power, his administration’s credibility is waning. Schumer and the other Senate Democrats who acquiesced are effectively providing support to an administration that, by all accounts, is teetering. In the fight against Trump, it is equally imperative to challenge the Democratic centrists who support him.
