Schumer blocks right-wing court pick
With up to 56 seats, Democrats gain the power to veto Trump’s nominations and halt the Iran war, though internal friction persists.
By Allison Rojas ·
Senate Democrats hold the power to stop President Donald Trump from appointing a conservative judge to the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made the promise in a Thursday interview with The Associated Press. He stated that his party will not allow a right-winger on the court. Schumer also said Democrats will block "crappy nominees" from the lower courts and the Cabinet.
The pledge follows a decisive midterm victory for Democrats. The party secured a majority in the Senate, a result that was not predicted a year ago. Schumer noted that the majority could reach 56 seats if Democrats win Mississippi and Alaska. He described this potential majority as durable and the product of 20 years of campaign work.
Schumer believes the new majority is more than a single flip of the chamber. He expects Democrats to use their numbers to reject Trump’s nominees and force him to choose more moderate candidates. The party also plans to halt the Iran war and alter policies that Democrats could not change while in the minority.
The new leadership faces internal challenges. Progressives and incoming freshman senators from red states have criticized Schumer in the past. Some lawmakers have not committed to supporting him for another term. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen called for an open discussion about future leadership. Vermont Sen. Peter Welch said Schumer must adjust to criticism, though he did not signal a formal challenge.
Schumer said the party’s agenda will focus on lowering prices, healthcare, housing, tariffs, childcare, and energy bills. He also plans to investigate Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. He described the current administration as the most corrupted in American history. He did not specify how he would overcome Trump’s veto power, a move Trump highlighted on election night with a photo of a red hat.
Schumer remains undecided on eliminating the filibuster. He tried and failed to remove the rule during President Joe Biden’s term. He also said he would support an impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which House lawmakers have already launched. He left the question of a third impeachment of Trump to the House.
Schumer credits local issues for the party’s wins. He cited Trump’s tariffs in Iowa, the trade dispute with Canada in Maine, and data centers in Ohio. He poured $67 million into the Michigan race for Abdul El-Sayed. Schumer is focused on 2027 and has not said if he will run for a sixth term in 2028.
