Jon Stewart Critiques Democrats for Ending Government Shutdown

Jon Stewart has expressed his frustration with the Democratic Party following their decision to end a government shutdown that lasted for 41 days. A group of Democratic Senators chose to cross party lines to vote for a resolution without securing any assurances from Republicans to extend the expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which Democrats had been advocating for.

In his monologue on Monday, Stewart opened with a strong condemnation, stating, “I can’t f—ing believe it! They f—ing caved on the shutdown.” He highlighted the irony that this capitulation occurred less than a week after the Democratic Party celebrated significant electoral victories in states such as New Jersey, Virginia, and New York.

Stewart’s Criticism of Senate Leadership

Stewart particularly targeted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, questioning the motivations behind the votes of the eight Democratic Senators who chose to support the resolution. “Look, either all eight senators who voted to capitulate coincidentally are not up for re-election in 2026, or Chuck Schumer worked behind the scenes to give in to the Republicans while still protecting vulnerable Democrats, including himself,” he remarked.

The Senators who voted in favor included Dick Durbin, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, and Jacky Rosen. Independent Senator Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, also joined the vote. While Schumer voted “no” on the legislation, he now faces increasing pressure to resign as calls for change within the Democratic Party grow louder.

Stewart emphasized that the government shutdown had seemingly worked to the Democrats’ advantage, with Donald Trump’s approval rating at an all-time low. “This is what the Democrats have squandered,” he said, pointing out that they have lost their leverage and diminished voter enthusiasm.

Comparisons to NFL Coaching Decisions

Furthering his critique, Stewart compared the Democrats’ handling of the situation to the struggles of the New York Giants in the NFL. He played a clip announcing the firing of the Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll, illustrating the parallel between the two teams’ failures. “So you’re saying there’s a chance?” Stewart quipped, drawing laughter from his audience as he visualized Schumer as the Democrats’ equivalent of Daboll.

Stewart’s comments resonate with a segment of the Democratic base that is increasingly disillusioned with the party’s leadership. His sharp observations reflect a growing sentiment that the party must re-evaluate its approach and leadership dynamics, especially in light of recent electoral successes.

As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how the Democratic Party will address these internal divisions and respond to calls for change from both voters and influential figures within the party.