Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back on Chuck Schumer after Democrats ended the 41-day government shutdown with little to show for it. The late-night host mocked the Senate minority leader’s handling of the standoff, ridiculing both the outcome and Schumer’s age. His biting segment came as Democrats face growing internal criticism over the compromise that reopened the government without securing key healthcare concessions.
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Kimmel Slams Democratic Retreat
In a scathing 90-second segment, Kimmel mocked Democrats for folding after weeks of defiance. “Democrats refused to sign on to a bill that would force millions of Americans off of health care,” he said. But as the standoff ended, Kimmel joked they had effectively “pulled out a shovel and a bucket, and they ate all that sand. And got nothing for it.” His sarcasm captured the frustration among progressives who believe their leaders gave in too easily.
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Empty Promises from Republicans
Kimmel highlighted what Democrats received in return for ending the shutdown, a mere promise of a future healthcare vote. “Isn’t that great? You know what they got? They got a promise from the Republicans in the Senate to hold a vote on healthcare sometime in the future,” he said. He went on, “And if there is one thing we know about Trump and his merry band of sycophants, it’s that their word is as good as gold.”
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Age Joke Hits Schumer Hard
Turning his focus directly to Schumer, Kimmel didn’t miss a chance to poke fun at the senator’s age. “I mean, it’s incredible that at his age, Chuck Schumer is still able to bend over so far,” Kimmel quipped, earning laughs from his audience. The jab combined humor with sharp political commentary, underscoring the comedian’s frustration with what he saw as Democratic capitulation.
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Comparing Schumer to a Parent
Kimmel extended the metaphor with a family-style comparison. He likened Schumer to a parent who sets strict rules but quickly caves under pressure. “Next thing you know, he’s playing Roblox at the dinner table,” Kimmel joked. He added that the Democrats’ “cave” was “so big… Bruce Wayne offered to buy it,” a reference to Batman’s infamous Batcave.
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Democratic Defections Fuel Pressure
Schumer’s troubles deepened when five members of his caucus joined Republicans to reopen the government Monday night. They combined with three previous Democratic defectors to give the GOP the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Though Schumer himself voted against the deal, his inability to hold the party together drew backlash from progressives who accused him of weak leadership.
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Calls for Schumer’s Resignation
The criticism reached new heights as lawmakers publicly questioned Schumer’s leadership. “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced,” Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna wrote after the vote. “If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?” Khanna’s statement echoed a growing sense of disillusionment among Democrats who wanted a harder line against Republican demands.
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What Comes Next in Congress
The stopgap spending measure, which keeps the government funded through January 30, now moves to the House of Representatives. Lawmakers are expected to vote as early as Wednesday. While the short-term bill averts an immediate crisis, it sets up another high-stakes showdown early next year as both parties brace for renewed battles over healthcare and spending priorities.