WATCH: AOC Goes On Angry Tirade After Senate Democrats Cave To Trump
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is furious. In a rant, the progressive firebrand accused Senate Democrats of betraying their own party and bowing to President Donald Trump after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced support for a Republican-backed continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown.
Speaking to reporters, Ocasio-Cortez, known for her dramatic political performances, did not hold back. “I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal,” she said. “And this is not just about progressive Democrats.”
“This is across the board, the entire party. There are members of Congress who have won Trump-held districts in some of the most difficult territory in the United States, who walked the plank and took innumerable risks… just to see Senate Democrats even consider acquiescing to Elon Musk. I think it is a huge slap in the face.”
Schumer’s move to pass the six-month CR, which allows the government to remain open while giving Trump’s administration flexibility in budget decisions, has sparked outrage among House Democrats. Some members of the far-left “Squad” are even threatening to challenge Schumer in the upcoming primary.
WATCH:
AOC SUFFERS MELTDOWN OVER CHUCK SCHUMER.pic.twitter.com/S4B3Gj0Z4D
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 14, 2025
The deal was seen as a major concession, effectively granting Trump and cost-cutting advisor Elon Musk the authority to slash or rescind federal funding at their discretion. Schumer, however, defended his decision, saying the alternative—a government shutdown—would have been worse.
“While the Republican bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” Schumer said. “It is deeply partisan. It doesn’t address far too many of this country’s needs, but I believe allowing Donald Trump to take even much more power in a government shutdown is a far worse option.”
That reasoning was unacceptable to Ocasio-Cortez. “I cannot underscore enough how incorrect that is,” she fumed. “What voting for this CR does is codify the chaos and the reckless cuts that Elon Musk has been pursuing. The robbing of our federal government in order to finance tax cuts for billionaires is what is happening, and that is what Senate Democrats will be empowering if they vote for the CR.”
WASHINGTON – January 22 2025: Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), minority leader, speaks to journalists
The controversy has fueled speculation about Ocasio-Cortez’s political future. Some progressive allies are urging her to challenge Schumer in the 2026 Democratic Senate primary. According to CNN, a source close to the Congressional Progressive Caucus said members are “so mad” that even centrist Democrats are considering supporting an AOC Senate run.
Schumer’s allies argue that his approach is pragmatic, ensuring that essential government functions continue while limiting the damage that could result from a prolonged shutdown. But for the party’s left flank, that excuse doesn’t cut it.
Before unseating former House Democratic Caucus Chair Joseph Crowley (D-NY) in a shocking 2018 upset, Ocasio-Cortez positioned herself as a champion of grassroots progressivism. Since then, she has leveraged her massive social media following to push her party further left.
If she decides to challenge Schumer, she would be stepping onto an even bigger stage. While she has influence in the House, her chances of winning a statewide primary in New York remain uncertain. Schumer, a seasoned politician with deep ties to the Democratic establishment, would be a formidable opponent.