Rep. Ro Khanna told NBC's Meet the Press that the recent shutdown‑ending deal was the 'final straw' and urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down. Khanna said he agreed that Republicans and the White House bear responsibility for the shutdown but argued Schumer lacks the boldness and grassroots connection needed for 2026. Several Democrats, including Reps. Seth Moulton and Mark Pocan and Sen. John Fetterman, have also criticized Schumer's handling of the deal. Khanna suggested Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker as possible successors.
Ro Khanna Says Shutdown Deal Was the 'Final Straw' — Urges Chuck Schumer to Step Down
Rep. Ro Khanna told NBC's Meet the Press that the recent shutdown‑ending deal was the 'final straw' and urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down. Khanna said he agreed that Republicans and the White House bear responsibility for the shutdown but argued Schumer lacks the boldness and grassroots connection needed for 2026. Several Democrats, including Reps. Seth Moulton and Mark Pocan and Sen. John Fetterman, have also criticized Schumer's handling of the deal. Khanna suggested Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker as possible successors.
12:40 AM, 11/17/2025Politics
Khanna: Shutdown Deal Exposes Leadership Problem for Democrats
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) told NBC's Meet the Press that last week's agreement to end the government shutdown was the 'final straw' that convinced him Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) should relinquish Democratic leadership. Khanna used the interview to reiterate long-standing criticisms of Schumer's style and to question whether Schumer can lead the party effectively into the 2026 midterms.
Host Kristen Welker asked Khanna why he blamed Schumer when other Democrats — including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) — pointed to Republicans, former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as bearing primary responsibility for the shutdown. Khanna said he agreed with their assessments about blame for the shutdown, but argued that those facts do not negate concerns about Schumer's leadership going forward.
'The question is what is the future of Democratic leadership. Who is going to be effective? And most Democrats around the country just don’t think that person is Chuck Schumer,' Khanna said on the program.
Khanna expanded on his critique, saying Schumer 'doesn’t inspire confidence,' 'is not bold,' and is 'out of touch with the grassroots.' He also cited policy and judgment concerns, saying Schumer 'cheer‑led us into the war in Iraq,' lacks moral clarity on Gaza and failed to take a strong stand for health care during the shutdown negotiations.
Responses from other Democrats
Khanna is among several Democrats publicly questioning Schumer's handling of the deal. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) urged the party to move away from the 'establishment status quo.' Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) called the negotiated deal 'terrible' and accused Schumer of harming the national party. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said it is unclear who is running the party, while other members such as Rep. Jack Auchincloss (D-MA) declined to weigh in over the weekend.
Who could replace Schumer?
When Welker pressed him on potential successors, Khanna named Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) among several possible leaders who could reinvigorate the party.
Khanna's comments follow earlier remarks this week in which he described Schumer as 'out of touch' and said it was 'time' for new leadership. The exchange highlights growing internal debate in the Democratic Party over message, strategy and readiness for upcoming electoral battles.
Reporting: Rep. Ro Khanna on Meet the Press; Host: Kristen Welker. Video available on NBC.