Democratic senators push Schumer to take stronger stance against Trump

A group of Democratic governors is reportedly pushing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to take a stronger stance against President Donald Trump. The New York Times reported six governors, led by JB Pritzker of Illinois and Maura Healy of Massachusetts, held a call with Schumer on Wednesday, Jan. 29. They asked him to slow down the confirmation of Trump’s cabinet nominees.

According to the Times, the governors also said the party needed to generate more public opposition to Trump’s picks and agenda than senators have in the chamber so far.

How did Schumer respond during the phone call?

Schumer reportedly told the governors he could not force all Senate Democrats to oppose every trump nominee, but he could unite the caucus to oppose certain high-profile appointees.

During the week of Jan. 27, the Senate held confirmation hearings for three of Trump’s most contentious cabinet picks: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Health and Human Services Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel to head the FBI.

What else did the governors say?

The Democratic governors reportedly also told Schumer that their states are where the brunt of Trump’s executive orders will be felt, including orders to pause federal funds.

The 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was also on Wednesday’s call. He said Democrats needed to be more visible in the media to convey their party’s message, instead of just complaining about what Trump is doing.

Also on the call were New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

Representatives for the governors have not commented on the article from The New York Times.