Schumer came under fierce criticism in March for helping to advance a shutdown-avoiding spending bill written solely by Republicans. He warned at the time that a shutdown would only empower Trump and that the dynamic would be different come September as, he predicted, Trump became more unpopular. Nine other members of his caucus joined him.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) mocked President Donald Trump after he held up most of the president’s remaining nominees for at least another month. Senators remained in Washington, D.C.,