Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has postponed his book tour promoting “Antisemitism in America: A Warning” due to security concerns. The decision comes amid significant backlash from his own party after Schumer supported a Republican funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. What does this incident reveal about current divisions within the Democratic Party?
Democrat Infighting Intensifies
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has postponed his promotional tour for his new book on antisemitism, citing “security concerns” amid growing backlash from his party. The cancellation follows Schumer’s decision to allow passage of a Republican-backed government funding bill that increased defense spending while cutting nondefense expenditures, a move that has infuriated progressive Democrats.
The Sunrise Movement, a progressive climate advocacy group that had planned to protest at Schumer’s events, bluntly accused the Senate leader of cowardice. “Chuck Schumer is afraid to face the people he betrayed last week. Another act of cowardice. We need new leadership,” the organization stated in response to the tour’s postponement.
Schumer postpones book tour over security concerns https://t.co/LOaz4wf2Hf
— POLITICO (@politico) March 17, 2025
High-Profile Democratic Criticism
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her strong disapproval of Schumer’s support for the funding bill, highlighting growing tensions within the Democratic Party. Even former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly voiced her dissatisfaction with Schumer’s decision to allow the funding bill to pass with Republican priorities intact.
While Schumer himself did not vote for the bill, he permitted it to clear the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold, effectively ensuring its passage. The funding legislation passed on March 14, funds the government through September 30 and includes provisions that many progressives find objectionable.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer postponed events to promote his forthcoming book, citing security concerns as he faces backlash from Democratic voters over his decision to support a Republican measure to avert a government shutdown. https://t.co/yba46WU5mG
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 17, 2025
Book Tour’s Uncertain Future
Schumer’s book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” explores Jewish American history and concerns about the future of Jewish life in America. The timing of this controversy is particularly notable, as Schumer is the first Jewish majority leader of the U.S. Senate and has served in Congress since 1981.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has attempted to downplay the disagreements while acknowledging the differences within the party. “Chuck and I agree on the overwhelming majority of issues moving forward, including our effort to oppose the largest potential Medicaid cut in American history. And we’re all going to have to come together,” Jeffries stated diplomatically.
Events originally scheduled in Baltimore and Washington have been officially postponed, with no firm dates announced for rescheduling. Jewish Voice for Peace and other progressive groups had organized protests at these events, raising questions about whether the cited “security concerns” are related to these planned demonstrations or other undisclosed threats.
The controversy highlights growing divisions within the Democratic Party as it approaches a challenging election season, with progressives increasingly willing to publicly challenge party leadership. Schumer now faces the difficult task of repairing relationships with his base while maintaining his leadership position and eventually promoting his book on antisemitism when security concerns are adequately addressed.