Senate's likely next No. 2 warns Trump if Democrats take the majority: 'It's going to be a fight' on key values

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Jun 21, 2026, 7:00 AM ET


Sen. Brian Schatz, who many believe will take over the No. 2 role in the Democratic caucus next year, has a warning for President Donald Trump: He could be dealing with a very different Washington if Democrats achieve the electoral gains they’re hoping for this fall.

“The quality of the nominees would immediately have to go up, because they’re not going to get people like Bill Pulte or RFK Jr. or Pete Hegseth through the United States Senate if the Democrats run that,” he told CNN’s Manu Raju, listing some of the president’s more controversial administration picks, who have received no votes of confidence from Democrats.

After two years of Republicans fighting to push Trump’s agenda through Congress with their narrow majorities, Democrats hope the president’s dwindling approval numbers will help them secure control over both chambers and usher in a new wave of leaders on Capitol Hill.

Though Schatz superstitiously knocks on wood when his potential ascent is mentioned, he is widely viewed as the likely choice to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin as Democratic whip next year.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/21/politics/brian-schatz-senate-democrats-trump

[EarthFirst]

1. For Republicans; fuck aspirations on nominations or agenda -it had better be a fight to remain out of prison...

Policy and confirmations should be the least of their concerns.

[rampartd]

2. no votes for any of his nominees

[Wiz Imp]

8. That would be a terrible strategy

If he can't get any nominees through, he will simply name the absolute worst possible people to positions in an acting capacity (like Pulte) . Better to have votes and reject the worst people which can be done without any Republican votes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. It had better be a fight!

[msfiddlestix]

9. We have heard this tune played more times than stars in the sky...

Someone please tell him to get a new playbook.

[Lemon Lyman]

4. :-)

[ancianita]

5. Win all the legislative battles and still lose the presidential veto war, even as the demented occupant breaks his oath

of office. Still, all that vetoed legislation can be reintroduced when Democrats win the federal election trifecta. Brian Schatz seems like an experienced liberal leader for the Senate. Though I can't remember seeing his name in media is no reason not to trust his judgment.

[TexasBushwhacker]

6. Bring it!

[Dan]

7. And most importantly, if there is an opening for a justice on the SCOTUS

Do not pass or allow the vote to come to the Senate, until we have a Democratic president. Take a lesson from Moscow Mitch to see how the game is played!