Major Controversies Surrounding Chuck Schumer: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Chuck Schumer—discover key moments of controversy.

Chuck Schumer is a prominent American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New York since 1999. A leading figure in the Democratic Party, he has held significant leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader (2021-2025) and Senate Minority Leader (2017-2021 and since 2025). Schumer became New York's senior senator in 2001 and is now the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, having been elected to a fifth term in 2022. He is also the dean of New York's congressional delegation.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Schumer Joins Campaign Against Holy Land Foundation

In 1994, Schumer joined the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Congress in a campaign to get the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Palestinian-American charity the Holy Land Foundation.

1995: Oversees Waco Siege Hearings

In 1995, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Chuck Schumer oversaw the House investigation of the Waco siege hearings, leading the Democratic defense of the Clinton administration.

1996: Vote for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

In 1996, Schumer voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

November 2001: Announcement of Hearings on Military Tribunals for Terrorists

In November 2001, Schumer announced hearings regarding George W. Bush's decision to try terrorists in military tribunals. The hearings aimed to determine if Bush had the authority to form a tribunal independently of Congress and whether a military tribunal was the most efficient instrument.

2001: Holy Land Foundation Shut Down

By 2001, the Holy Land Foundation, which Schumer campaigned against since 1994, was shut down, being the country's largest Muslim charity at the time.

April 2002: Schumer Criticizes Bush Administration's Middle East Policy

In April 2002, Senator Schumer criticized the Bush administration's Middle East policy as "muddled, confused and inconsistent." He stated that the planned meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Yasser Arafat would contradict Bush's stance against terrorists.

2002: Schumer authors bankruptcy bill provision

In 2002, Schumer authored a provision to a bankruptcy bill, aimed at making it harder for individuals to erase debts through bankruptcy. The provision sparked opposition from anti-abortion activists.

August 2004: Concern over Leak of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's Arrest

In August 2004, Schumer expressed concern over the leaking of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's arrest by American officials to reporters. He cited that little public information about Khan's role had been revealed, despite it leading to a higher terror alert level announced by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

July 2006: Schumer Criticizes al-Maliki's Response to Hezbollah

In July 2006, Schumer, along with Harry Reid and Dick Durbin, signed a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticizing him for not condemning Hezbollah's aggression and questioning Iraq's role in resolving the Middle East crisis.

November 2006: Nat Hentoff Criticizes Schumer's Indifference to Civil Liberties

In November 2006, Nat Hentoff of the Village Voice criticized Schumer for being "indifferent to the administration's war on the Constitution and on our laws and treaties", especially concerning torture.

March 11, 2007: Called for Attorney General Gonzales' Resignation

On March 11, 2007, Chuck Schumer became the first lawmaker to call for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' resignation due to the firing of eight United States attorneys. He stated that Gonzales didn't understand that he was no longer just the president's lawyer.

April 19, 2007: Repeated Call for Gonzales' Resignation During Testimony

On April 19, 2007, during Gonzales's testimony, Chuck Schumer repeated his call for Gonzales to resign, citing Gonzales's repeated claims of not knowing or recalling details about the firings of eight attorneys. Schumer argued Gonzales needed to provide a full and convincing explanation for the firings.

June 26, 2008: Public Release of Letters Regarding IndyMac Bank

On June 26, 2008, Schumer publicly released letters he had written to regulators about IndyMac Bank, expressing concerns about its financial deterioration and potential risks to taxpayers and borrowers, suggesting the regulatory community may not be prepared to prevent its collapse.

October 18, 2008: Wall Street Journal Article Suggesting Schumer's Letter Prompted by Investment Company's Interest in IndyMac

On October 18, 2008, The Wall Street Journal published an article suggesting that an investment company's interest in IndyMac might have prompted Schumer's letter.

December 14, 2008: NYT Article on Schumer's Role in Wall Street Meltdown

According to a December 14, 2008, New York Times article, Schumer embraced the financial industry's deregulatory agenda, backing measures that contributed to the financial crisis and protecting the industry from government oversight.

December 22, 2008: OTS Regional Director Removed for Allowing IndyMac to Falsify Financial Reporting

On December 22, 2008, The Washington Post reported that the OTS regional director in charge was removed from his position for allowing IndyMac to falsify its financial reporting.

March 2010: Claim About Schumer Calling SEC for Madoff Investigation Information

In March 2010, Harry Markopolos, in his book No One Would Listen, made an unsourced claim that Schumer called the SEC for information about the Madoff investigation, which Schumer denied.

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June 2010: Schumer's Comments on Gaza Blockade Spark Criticism

In June 2010, Schumer made comments at an Orthodox Union event in Washington D.C. about Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip that were later criticized. He stated that the Palestinian citizens of the West Bank were experiencing "economic prosperity" due to cooperation with the Israeli government and called for Israel to "strangle" the Gaza Strip economically, while continuing humanitarian aid.

2010: Shift in Stance on Hedge-Fund Tax

In 2010, Schumer suggested that a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable and would not harm the industry. Previously, he had defended low taxes on hedge fund and private equity managers in the mid-2000s.

2010: Controversial Statement Regarding Infosys Technologies

While discussing an immigration bill in the Senate in 2010, Schumer likened the Indian tech giant Infosys Technologies to a "chop shop", which caused outrage in India. He later acknowledged his characterization was incorrect.

June 2011: Call for Crackdown on Bitcoin

In June 2011, Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin called for a crackdown on Bitcoin, citing its use in facilitating illegal drug trade transactions, particularly through anonymizing networks like Tor. They argued that Bitcoin transactions left no traditional money trail for investigators to follow.

2011: Schumer's neighborhood opposes bike path

In 2011, Schumer's neighbors in Park Slope attempted to remove a new "parking-protected" bicycle path on their street. Schumer's wife, Iris Weinshall, is a prominent opponent of the project, and Schumer has reportedly lobbied against it behind the scenes.

January 18, 2012: Protests Against PROTECT IP Act

On January 18, 2012, the NY Tech Meetup and other cybertech organizations held a demonstration with 2,000 protesters in front of the offices of Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who supported the PROTECT IP Act. Demonstrators expressed concerns that the bill favored wealthy campaign contributors.

February 2012: Initial Disagreement then Support for Raising Taxes on High Earners

In February 2012, Schumer initially disagreed with raising taxes on those earning over $250,000 annually, proposing a million-dollar floor instead. He later supported raising taxes on those earning over $250,000, stating it was necessary for revenue.

March 2012: Called for Investigation of Employer Facebook Password Practices

In March 2012, Chuck Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal called on Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice to investigate employers requiring Facebook passwords from job applicants and employees.

October 2016: Loses Confidence in James Comey

In October 2016, after FBI director James Comey announced the reopening of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, Chuck Schumer stated that he had lost confidence in Comey.

January 2017: Schumer Introduces Legislation to Limit Executive Action on Russian Sanctions

In January 2017, Schumer introduced legislation aimed at limiting executive actions related to Russian sanctions. Earlier that month, he responded to questions about the U.S. intelligence community's assessments by suggesting repercussions for those who challenged them.

March 2017: Schumer Calls on Trump to Apologize for Wiretapping Claims

In March 2017, Schumer issued a statement urging Trump to apologize for claiming the Obama administration had wiretapped him during his presidential campaign and advised Trump to stop tweeting to improve focus.

March 2017: Schumer opposes Gorsuch confirmation and calls for filibuster

In March 2017, at the end of Senate hearings for Trump's Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Schumer announced his opposition to Gorsuch's confirmation and urged Democrats to block an up-or-down vote, which ultimately led to a Republican-led rules change to confirm Gorsuch.

May 2017: Schumer Co-Sponsors Israel Anti-Boycott Act

In May 2017, Schumer co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, Senate Bill 720, which would make it a federal crime for Americans to participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements.

May 2017: Response to Upton Amendment and American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Schumer responded to Fred Upton's amendment to the American Health Care Act, arguing it left Americans with pre-existing conditions vulnerable. He criticized the American Health Care Act after the CBO projected millions would lose coverage, urging Republicans to collaborate with Democrats on healthcare solutions. Schumer also requested a bipartisan Senate meeting to address America's challenges and estimated the bill had a 50% chance of passing, while committing to fight the "devastating" legislation.

May 2017: Comments on Comey's Firing and Russian Investigation

In May 2017, after President Donald Trump fired James Comey, Chuck Schumer pondered whether the investigation into the Trump campaign's potential collusion with Russia was "getting too close to home for the president".

January 2018: Criticizes Republican Views on FBI and Mueller Investigation

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer criticized Republican views on the FBI and the Mueller investigation, stating that the Republicans' effort to discredit Mueller "has now devolved into delusional, self-serving paranoia".

January 2018: Negotiations on DACA and Border Wall Funding

In January 2018, Schumer stated that any agreement on the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) before its March expiration would have to be included in the spending bill. Schumer offered Trump congressional approval of over $20 billion for his border wall in exchange for protecting DACA recipients, but Trump declined. Later that month, conversations on immigration and border security resumed between the White House and Schumer.

March 2018: Schumer Claims Israeli Settlements Unrelated to Conflict

In March 2018, Schumer told AIPAC's delegates that Israeli settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have nothing to do with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

May 2018: Schumer Calls for Removal of Kim Jong-un from Commemorative Coin

In May 2018, Schumer called for Kim Jong-un to be removed from a commemorative coin memorializing the 2018 North Korea-United States summit, referring to Kim as a "brutal dictator".

June 2018: Schumer criticizes Roberts for demeaning the Supreme Court

In June 2018, Schumer accused Chief Justice Roberts of demeaning the Supreme Court by aligning it with "the hard right" through decisions on issues like abortion clinics, travel bans, campaign finance, and voting rights.

August 2018: Schumer Responds to Trump's "Disloyal" Charge Against Jewish Democrats

In August 2018, Schumer responded to Trump's charge that American Jews voting for Democrats are "disloyal," stating Trump was encouraging anti-Semitism.

March 2020: Schumer criticized for comments about Gorsuch and Kavanaugh

In March 2020, Schumer faced criticism for his remarks regarding Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh during a rally concerning abortion rights. His statements were interpreted as inciting violence, leading to condemnation and, eventually, an apology.

January 6, 2021: Schumer Responds to U.S. Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Schumer and other members of Congress were removed from the Senate chambers due to an attack by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol. After the Capitol was secure, Schumer called it a day "that will live forever in infamy" and blamed Trump for the attack.

March 14, 2024: Schumer Calls for New Elections in Israel

On March 14, 2024, in a Senate speech, Schumer stated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was an impediment to peace in the Middle East and called for elections to replace him after the Israel-Hamas war. He also noted the decline of international support for Israel due to civilian deaths in Gaza.