Chuck Schumer resisted calls to resign as the top Democratic senator after supporting a Republican funding bill to avert a government shutdown. He stated on Sunday, “I’m not stepping down.”

Schumer has faced criticism from Democrats for backing the Republican-led bill, with many questioning his ability to stand up to Donald Trump’s agenda.

In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Schumer acknowledged the controversy surrounding his decision. He admitted that the bill was flawed but insisted that a shutdown would have been far more disastrous.

Schumer argued that billionaire Elon Musk and his “department of government efficiency” (Doge) would have exploited a shutdown to dismantle the federal government, which he described as “devastating.”

Schumer defended his decision as a “vote of principle” and emphasized the importance of avoiding potential dangers. He stated that his actions were driven by conviction and a commitment to serving the best interests of the country and his party.

When asked if he is making the same mistake as Joe Biden by not stepping aside to allow new Democratic leadership, Schumer firmly denied it. He stressed that the Democratic caucus is united in fighting against Donald Trump and committed to making him a “quickest lame duck” by exposing the flaws in his policies.

Schumer’s opposition to calls for his resignation comes after Maryland representative Glenn Ivey became the first Democratic lawmaker to publicly demand Schumer’s stepping down this week.

During a town hall meeting, Ivey expressed respect for Schumer’s career but suggested it may be time for Senate Democrats to have a new leader.

New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer’s acquiescence to the Republican-led bill, considering it a lack of resistance to Elon Musk’s influence. She highlighted the efforts of other members of Congress who risked everything to defend the American people against Trump’s policies.