By Charles Switzer
1:34am PDT, Mar 22, 2025
Progressive Group Calls for Schumer's Retirement Over Spending Bill Vote
Senate Minority Leader
Chuck Schumer is facing sharp criticism from the progressive grassroots group Indivisible after his support for a six-month government funding resolution helped prevent a federal shutdown.
The group, which has received more than $7.6 million in funding from investor
George Soros' Open Society Foundations since 2017, is openly urging Schumer to step down from his leadership role.
Indivisible is hosting a virtual event on Saturday, March 22, where participants are invited to send "happy retirement" messages to the long-serving New York senator. Co-director
Ezra Levin announced the push shortly after the budget deal passed, accusing Schumer of forfeiting a rare opportunity for leverage and urging other Senate Democrats to join the call for new leadership.
Here are four key things to know about the alleged "Schumer coup."
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Conservative Figures Seize on Soros Link
Republican officials quickly highlighted Indivisible's connection to George Soros, arguing that the billionaire donor is influencing Democratic leadership.
A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee claimed that Democrats are "selling out to far-left mega-donors" and described the progressive campaign against Chuck Schumer as evidence of internal chaos.
A White House official under President
Donald Trump framed the situation as a power struggle, asking rhetorically whether Soros or Schumer truly leads the party. Despite these claims, a source close to the Soros family dismissed the idea as right-wing fantasy and insisted that Soros has not taken a position in the dispute.
Limited Impact, But Growing Attention
So far, there is no indication that Chuck Schumer's leadership is in serious jeopardy. The senator defended his decision to support the spending bill, arguing it was necessary to avoid a government shutdown — even if the terms were not ideal.
Still, some Democrats have made cautious remarks. At a recent town hall, Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) noted that "it's important for people to know when it's time to go," though he stopped short of directly supporting Schumer's ouster.
Indivisible is planning to pressure other Democrats at more than a dozen upcoming events, hoping to build momentum for their cause.
Indivisible's Broader Campaign Against DOGE and Musk
The group's efforts extend beyond Chuck Schumer. Indivisible has also launched a protest campaign against
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has pushed for deep federal spending cuts and layoffs.
The organization is reimbursing protesters up to $200 for participating in demonstrations under the banner of "Musk or Us," some of which have targeted Tesla dealerships.
Republicans argue that Democrats have aligned themselves with "radical activist groups," while Indivisible sees itself as fighting against harmful austerity measures.
A Battle for the Party's Future
Though Chuck Schumer remains entrenched in his leadership role, the clash with Indivisible reveals a broader tension within the Democratic Party between establishment figures and younger, activist-driven groups.
The George Soros connection, while repeatedly emphasized by conservatives, appears incidental to the group's autonomous organizing decisions. A source close to
Alex Soros dismissed claims of direct involvement, instead pointing to Republican ties to
tech billionaires like Elon Musk as the real power shift in American politics.
Schumer's office has not commented publicly on the pressure campaign, and neither Indivisible nor the Open Society Foundations have responded to media inquiries.
