Major Controversies Surrounding Chuck Schumer: A Detailed Timeline

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

Chuck Schumer is the senior U.S. Senator from New York, serving since 1999. A Democrat, he has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017. He served as Senate Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025 and twice as Senate Minority Leader (2017-2021 and since 2025). In 2022, upon election to his fifth term, Schumer became the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, surpassing Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob K. Javits. He became New York's senior senator in 2001. He is the dean of New York's congressional delegation.

Sections (6)

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

1987: Schumer Opposed Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act in NY Times Op-Ed

In 1987, then-Representative Schumer wrote a New York Times op-ed opposing the repeal of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933, warning against banks becoming like casinos.

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.

December 1998: Schumer Votes on Clinton Impeachment in House

In December 1998, during a lame-duck session of Congress, Chuck Schumer, as a member of the House of Representatives, voted "no" on all counts of impeachment against President Bill Clinton.

January 1999: Schumer Votes on Clinton Impeachment in Senate

In January 1999, Chuck Schumer, newly elected to the Senate, voted "not guilty" on the two impeachment charges against President Bill Clinton.

1999: Schumer supported Congress's repeal of Glass–Steagall

In 1999, Schumer supported Congress's repeal of Glass–Steagall, saying it was to ensure U.S. financial firms remain competitive.

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

In April 2002, during a Senate speech, Schumer criticized the Bush administration's Middle East policy as "muddled, confused and inconsistent." He also said the planned meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Yasser Arafat would contradict Bush's stated stand against terrorists.

2002: Schumer Authors Bankruptcy Provision

In 2002, Chuck Schumer authored a provision to a bankruptcy bill intended to make it harder for people to erase their debts, leading to opposition from anti-abortion activists and debate over its impact.

August 2004: Schumer Criticizes Leak of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's Arrest

In August 2004, Chuck Schumer expressed concern over the leaking of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's arrest by American officials to reporters, stating that little information had been revealed about Khan's role in providing the information that led Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to announce a higher terror alert level.

March 2006: Schumer introduces amendment barring company from operating in U.S. port if owned by country recognizing Taliban

In March 2006, Schumer introduced an amendment that would bar a company from operating in a U.S. port if the company was owned by a country that recognized the Taliban's regime in Afghanistan. This action occurred during discussions related to the Dubai Ports World controversy.

July 2006: Schumer's Letter to al-Maliki

In July 2006, Schumer, along with Harry Reid and Dick Durbin, signed a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticizing him for failing to condemn Hezbollah's aggression and defend Israel's right to defend itself, raising concerns about Iraq's role in resolving the Middle East crisis.

November 2006: Schumer's Indifference to War on the Constitution

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

March 11, 2007: Schumer Calls for Gonzales' Resignation

On March 11, 2007, Schumer became the first lawmaker in either chamber to call for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign for firing eight United States Attorneys, stating that Gonzales "doesn't accept or doesn't understand that he is no longer just the president's lawyer".

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

On April 19, 2007, during Gonzales's testimony, Schumer repeated his call for Gonzales to resign, saying that there was no point to further questioning since Gonzales had "answered 'I don't know' or 'I can't recall' to close to a hundred questions" about the firings.

June 26, 2008: Schumer Publicly Releases Letters About IndyMac Bank

On June 26, 2008, Chuck Schumer publicly released letters he had written to regulators regarding IndyMac Bank, raising concerns about its financial stability and potential risks to taxpayers and borrowers. He expressed worry that regulators might not be prepared to prevent IndyMac's collapse. Many depositors withdrew funds in the 11 days before IndyMac failed as a result.

October 18, 2008: Wall Street Journal Article Suggests Investment Company's Interest Prompted Schumer's Letter

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. His reported close ties to the founders of OneWest Bank have long been of interest to many action groups.

December 14, 2008: Schumer embraced free-market and deregulatory agenda more than any other Democrat in Congress

According to a December 14, 2008, article in The New York Times, Schumer embraced the free-market and deregulatory agenda more than any other Democrat in Congress, and supported measures blamed for the 2008 financial crisis, and helped save financial institutions billions of dollars in taxes or fees.

December 22, 2008: OTS Regional Director Removed; Limbaugh Blames Schumer

On December 22, 2008, The Washington Post reported that the OTS regional director in charge had been removed from his position for allowing IndyMac to falsify its financial reporting. The same day, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh continued to blame Schumer and recast IndyMac's July bankruptcy as an "October Surprise" planned by Democrats to help win the 2008 election.

2009: Schumer worked to ban BPA and urged investigation into Swine Flu scams

In 2009, Schumer worked with Representative Nita Lowey to ban bisphenol A (BPA) found in baby bottles and plastic children's food containers. He also urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate companies selling products during the 2009 swine flu scare, leading to the FTC putting ten companies on notice and identifying 140 scams.

March 2010: Madoff whistleblower claims Schumer called SEC for information

In March 2010, Bernie Madoff whistleblower Harry Markopolos alleged in his book, No One Would Listen, that Schumer called the SEC for information about the Madoff investigation, a claim Schumer denied.

No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller

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June 2010: Schumer's Comments on Gaza Strip Blockade

In June 2010, at an Orthodox Union event in Washington D.C., Schumer made comments about Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip that were later criticized. He credited the West Bank's "economic prosperity" to government cooperation with Israel and called for Israel to "strangle them economically" in Gaza until they changed their ways.

2010: Schumer's "Chop Shop" Comment Sparks Outrage

During a Senate floor discussion in 2010 about an immigration bill, Chuck Schumer likened the Indian tech giant Infosys Technologies to a "chop shop," causing widespread outrage in India. He later acknowledged the incorrectness of his characterization. The U.S.-India Business Council also labeled the remark as "outrageous."

2010: Securities and investment industry largest donor

Since 2010, the securities and investment industry has been the largest donor to Schumer's senatorial campaigns.

2011: Schumer and the Park Slope Bike Path

In 2011, Chuck Schumer's wife, Iris Weinshall, opposed a new bike path in Park Slope, Brooklyn, while Schumer reportedly lobbied against it behind the scenes, despite not taking a public position. A major Schumer campaign contributor fought a legal battle against the project.

January 18, 2012: Demonstration Against PROTECT IP Act at Schumer's Office

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 also supported the bill. Some demonstrators complained that the PROTECT IP Act bill had originated with wealthy campaign contributors who would reward legislators for passing the bill.

August 2013: Schumer Criticizes Putin's Asylum Grant to Snowden

In August 2013, Chuck Schumer criticized Vladimir Putin for granting asylum to Edward Snowden, characterizing Putin's behavior as that of a "schoolyard bully". He also stated that the relationship between the United States and Russia was at its most strained point since the Cold War.

2013: Schumer supports death penalty for Boston Marathon bomber

In 2013, Schumer expressed his support for the death penalty in the case of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the perpetrator of the Boston Marathon bombing, citing the federal law he wrote in 1994.

August 6, 2015: Schumer Opposes Iran Nuclear Deal

On August 6, 2015, Schumer announced his opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran. The White House leaked the news during the Republican debate, which was seen as an attempt to limit coverage. Schumer's decision was criticized for containing factually incorrect claims about the treaty's inspection timeline.

October 2016: Schumer Loses Confidence in Comey

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

2016: Schumer's Pre-Election Statement

Before the 2016 United States presidential election, Schumer stated that Democratic losses among blue-collar workers would be offset by gains among moderate Republicans, drawing criticism.

January 2017: Schumer Responds to Doubts About Intelligence Assessments

In January 2017, Chuck Schumer responded to those questioning the U.S. intelligence community's assessments. Later that month, he introduced legislation to limit executive action on Russian sanctions.

February 2017: Schumer Predicts Trump's Speech Will Be Unmemorable

In February 2017, before Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress, Schumer predicted it would be less memorable than previous ones, citing a disconnect between Trump's words and actions for working Americans, and accusing him of governing as a pro-corporate, pro-elite, hard-right ideologue.

March 2017: Schumer calls on Trump to apologize for wiretapping claims

In March 2017, Schumer released a statement urging Trump to apologize for claiming the Obama administration had wiretapped him during his presidential campaign and advised Trump to stop tweeting in order to better focus on his presidential work.

May 2017: Schumer Criticizes American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Chuck Schumer criticized the American Health Care Act and an amendment by Fred Upton, saying the amendment still leaves Americans with pre-existing conditions vulnerable, comparing it to administering cough medicine to someone with stage 4 cancer.

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 encourage or participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

May 2017: Schumer on Comey Firing and Russia Investigation

In May 2017, following President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, Chuck Schumer told reporters that the FBI had been investigating potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia and questioned whether the investigation was "getting too close to home for the president".

May 2017: Schumer Calls for Release of Trump-Russia Meeting Transcripts

In a May 2017 Senate floor speech, Chuck Schumer urged the White House to release unedited transcripts of the meeting between President Trump and Russian officials from the previous week. He suggested that maintaining confidentiality would lead the American public to question the president's ability to safeguard national secrets.

January 2018: Schumer on Mueller Investigation and Republican Views on the FBI

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for their views on the FBI since the Mueller investigation began. He also called for a bipartisan briefing regarding an FBI informant who had contacted the Trump campaign.

March 2018: Schumer Presses Trump on China

In March 2018, before the Trump administration took concrete measures against China, Schumer and other Democratic leaders urged Trump to focus more on China, stating that China had stolen millions of jobs and trillions of dollars, and past administrations hadn't been strong enough to fight back.

May 2018: Schumer on Kim Jong-un and US Summit

In May 2018, Schumer called for Kim Jong-un to be removed from the commemorative coin memorializing the 2018 North Korea–United States summit. He called Kim a brutal dictator and offered the Peace House as a more appropriate alternative.

May 2018: Schumer's observation on China Trade Deal

In May 2018, Schumer observed that Democrats and Republicans were uniting to urge President Trump to be tough on China, emphasizing that his actions should match his rhetoric, after Trump signaled willingness to ease sanctions on ZTE for a trade deal with Beijing.

June 2018: Schumer on Roberts and the Supreme Court

In June 2018, Chuck Schumer criticized Chief Justice John Roberts and the Supreme Court for becoming too political, citing rulings on anti-abortion clinics and other issues.

June 2018: Schumer decries call to harass Trump administration members

In June 2018, Schumer delivered a Senate floor speech condemning Representative Maxine Waters's call to harass members of the Trump administration in protest of its policies, emphasizing that political opponents should not be harassed.

July 2018: Schumer condemns Trump's criticism of Germany and behavior towards Putin

In July 2018, after Trump criticized Germany's decision to approve a new Russian-German gas pipeline, Schumer and House Minority Leader Pelosi released a joint statement condemning Trump's comments and behavior as being more loyal to President Putin than to NATO allies.

August 2018: Schumer Responds to Trump's "Disloyal" Remark About Jewish Voters

In August 2018, Schumer responded to Trump's charge that American Jews who vote for Democrats are "disloyal", stating that Trump was encouraging anti-Semitism by using a trope historically used against Jewish people.

March 2020: Schumer Criticized for Comments About Gorsuch and Kavanaugh

In March 2020, Chuck Schumer faced criticism for his remarks about Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh at a rally outside the Capitol, with many interpreting his words as inciting violence if they voted against abortion rights. Schumer later apologized for the comments.

2020: Bomb Threat Context

In December 2025, Schumer's offices were targeted by bomb threats, sent in emails with the subject line "MAGA" with emails also referring to the idea that "the 2020 election was rigged".

January 6, 2021: Schumer responds to the attack on the U.S. Capitol

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Schumer was removed from the Senate chambers due to the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. He later released a joint statement with Pelosi calling on Trump to demand the rioters leave and, after the Senate reconvened, blamed Trump for the attack and called for his removal from office via the Twenty-fifth Amendment or impeachment.

March 14, 2024: Schumer Calls Netanyahu an Impediment to Peace

On March 14, 2024, Schumer stated in a Senate speech that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was an impediment to peace in the Middle East, calling for elections to replace him after the Gaza war. He also noted that civilian deaths in Gaza were causing international support for Israel to fall to historic lows.

February 2025: Investigation Launched by the Department of Justice

In February 2025, interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. Ed Martin announced the Department of Justice was launching an investigation into the matter.

March 12, 2025: Schumer Opposes Continuing Resolution

On March 12, 2025, Schumer initially announced his opposition to the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the 2025 United States federal budget.

September 30, 2025: Funding Deadline

On March 12, 2025, Schumer opposed the continuing resolution (CR) to fund the 2025 United States federal budget until September 30, 2025.

December 2025: Bomb Threats

In December 2025, Schumer's offices in New York City, Long Island, Rochester, and Binghamton were targeted by bomb threats sent in emails with the subject line "MAGA".

2025: Last Week Tonight Segment

In 2025, a segment on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver criticized Schumer's use of the imaginary Baileys as guidance for political decisions, pointing out that the Baileys had either voted for Trump or abstained from voting for president since 2016.

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