Ivey puts Schumer on notice: 'We can't afford to have that happen again'

A Call for Tougher Leadership: Rep. Ivey Challenges Schumer

In a notable departure from his usual demeanor, Democratic Congressman Glenn Ivey is urging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step up his game. Following a heated town hall meeting in his suburban Washington district, Ivey has suggested that if Schumer does not adopt a more aggressive strategy in upcoming negotiations, it may be time for new leadership. “Maybe he needs to go,” Ivey stated, underscoring the growing frustration within the party regarding its response to President Donald Trump.

Speaking to POLITICO on Wednesday morning, Ivey elaborated on his position, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “If he can get himself together and come — you know, get right on this vote and we get another shot at it, okay,” he remarked. However, he cautioned that a repeat of past mistakes when the bill resurfaces in six months could be devastating: “We can’t afford that.”

As a second-term Congressman and member of the House Appropriations Committee, Ivey expressed confidence in his caucus leader, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries successfully rallied nearly all Democrats in the House to oppose a Republican-sponsored spending bill. Yet, Ivey highlighted the unacceptable division that surfaced when the two Democratic leaders pursued different strategies, asserting, “We’ve got a limited number of shots at being able to fight back against the Trump administration and what they’re doing. We can’t afford to miss the moment again.”

During Ivey’s town hall, held in a packed high school auditorium, the atmosphere was charged with skepticism about the party’s ability to effectively counter the Trump administration’s policies. Attendees, many of whom identified as federal workers affected by recent layoffs and spending cuts championed by tech mogul Elon Musk, voiced their concerns over the absence of a clear Democratic strategy. Some members of the audience grew restless when Ivey pointed to the upcoming midterm elections as the party’s best opportunity to rein in Trump, leading to a few departing before the event concluded.

Ivey pushed back against the notion that Democrats are powerless, acknowledging the frustration from constituents while explaining that their current minority status in the House limits their options. He isn’t alone in his questioning of Schumer’s leadership; Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) also faced inquiries about whether Schumer should consider stepping down during her town hall, reportedly nodding in agreement when constituents expressed their concerns.

In his interview, Ivey praised several House Democrats for their efforts to confront Trump and advocate for a more assertive party stance, mentioning figures like Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. However, he acknowledged that these leaders may not always deliver the fiery rhetoric that some in the Democratic base desire. “Everybody doesn’t have to do the same temperament,” he noted. “As long as they’re doing what they need to do to win their seats.”