WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says his party will not let President Donald Trump put a “right-winger” on the Supreme Court once Democrats take control of the Senate, according to The Associated Press.
In a Thursday interview with the AP, Schumer would not say whether Democrats would hold a vacancy open until after the next presidential election, the step Republican leader Mitch McConnell took in 2016. He said the party is “not going to allow any crappy nominees” to be confirmed, to the high court, to the lower courts or to Trump’s Cabinet.
“The bottom line is we’re not going to allow a right-winger on the court,”
The pledge landed two days after Democrats won a decisive Senate majority in the midterms, a result few predicted a year ago. Schumer had faced criticism from progressives inside his own party, and Republicans had counted on a favorable map and Trump’s backing to hold power.
A Majority Schumer Calls Durable
Schumer is expected to be reelected leader by his caucus without much difficulty. Democrats could reach 56 seats if they win Mississippi and Alaska, both still uncalled, and he called that a “durable majority,” one he said has been 20 years in the making.
With that margin, Democrats could reject Trump’s nominees and force him toward more moderate choices. Schumer also said the majority gives the party power to halt the Iran war and change policies it could not counter while in the minority.
Costs First, and a Veto in the Way
Schumer said the agenda will center on lowering prices, built around five issues Democrats stressed in the minority: healthcare, housing, Trump’s tariffs, childcare and energy bills. Democrats also want to investigate Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country and scrutinize the Trump administration, which he says is the “most corrupted administration by far in American history.”
He would not spell out how Democrats get around Trump, who posted a picture of a red hat with the word “veto” in large letters on election night. Passing laws will still take Republican support, and Schumer would not say whether he would try again to eliminate the filibuster, a move he tried and failed to carry out under President Joe Biden.
“The focus has got to be on getting things done,” he said. “That’s all I am saying.”
Impeachment, and His Own Future
Asked about a third Trump impeachment, Schumer said he would support impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, an effort House lawmakers have already launched. On Trump himself, he said: “That’s up to the House.”
Schumer is up for reelection in 2028 and would not say whether he will seek a sixth term. “I’m focused on 2027,” said Schumer, who became the party’s Senate leader in 2015.
Some senators are pressing for change. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a possible 2028 presidential contender who has not committed to backing Schumer, told the AP on Wednesday that Democrats need an “open and honest discussion” about the next leader.
Vermont Sen. Peter Welch said Schumer “has to adjust and open things up and take into account the criticism of our efforts.” Welch saw no sign of a leadership challenge, though. “Schumer did an incredible job on this campaign,” he said.
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