Senator Schiff Criticizes Democratic Party’s Disorganized Response to Trump’s Agenda Amid Party Frustrations

California Senator Adam Schiff has voiced concern over what he sees as the Democratic Party’s failure to present a unified and effective opposition to President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly following Trump’s lengthy and highly scrutinized State of the Union address.

In an interview with ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Schiff did not mince words when reflecting on the party’s approach—or lack thereof—to Trump’s messaging.

“I think the lack of a coordinated response during the State of the Union was a mistake,” Schiff said. “It allowed the focus to shift away from where it should have been—on the president’s failure to address the financial struggles facing millions of American families.”

According to Schiff, Trump’s 100-minute speech was devoid of meaningful proposals on issues like housing, healthcare, or child care costs. “People at home, sitting at their kitchen tables, were waiting to hear something that could give them hope or help—and they got nothing,” he added.

His comments come amid growing concern within Democratic ranks following a series of setbacks, including their loss of the White House and Senate in the last election cycle. Republicans also managed to maintain control of the House and gain ground with key voter blocs that have traditionally leaned Democratic, including younger voters, Black Americans, and Hispanic communities.

Internal Fractures Emerge

Schiff’s criticism follows similar remarks made by Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who recently described the Democratic response to Trump and the broader political climate as a “sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance.”

While some in the party have urged a more measured approach, including calls for political restraint from veteran strategist James Carville, Schiff rejected the idea of playing it safe or adopting a “wait and see” strategy.

“We can’t just stand back and expect them to collapse under the weight of their own corruption,” Schiff said. “That’s not enough. We have to communicate better, engage more broadly, and take action—through policy, through litigation, and through real leadership.”

He emphasized the importance of reaching new audiences and expanding the party’s messaging to meet voters where they are, particularly in an evolving media landscape.

Party Approval Hits Record Lows

Schiff’s comments come at a time when Democratic lawmakers are facing increasing disapproval from their own base.

A new Quinnipiac University poll conducted in early June shows that 53% of Democrats disapprove of how their party’s members are performing in Congress. Only 41% said they approve—a troubling sign as party leaders attempt to regroup ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Among all registered voters surveyed, just 21% approved of how Democrats in Congress are handling their jobs, while a staggering 70% expressed disapproval. This marks a historic low in the poll’s history, tying with a February rating as the worst since Quinnipiac began asking the question in 2009.

Meanwhile, Republicans are faring slightly better, though still facing their own challenges. The same poll shows 32% of voters approve of how congressional Republicans are performing, while 60% disapprove. Among Republican voters themselves, 79% express approval, with only 13% disapproving.

While the Republican numbers are stronger within their base, the overall decline in public satisfaction reflects a broader frustration with both major parties as inflation, housing insecurity, and global instability continue to dominate headlines.

Democratic Identity Crisis

The Democratic Party’s internal tension is increasingly on display as various factions clash over the best way to respond to Trump’s re-election and his aggressive policy initiatives.

Since Trump returned to office earlier this year, Democrats have struggled to craft a consistent and compelling counter-narrative. The former president has wasted no time in pushing forward a conservative agenda that includes massive cuts to federal agencies, sharp immigration restrictions, and a rollback of climate and social equity programs.

Activists and progressive voters have urged party leaders to adopt a more combative stance, accusing congressional Democrats of being too slow, too soft, or too divided to mount a serious opposition.

This dissatisfaction has not only fueled negative polling but has reignited conversations about the party’s direction, leadership, and identity. Calls for new voices and bold ideas are growing louder, especially among younger and more progressive voters who feel underrepresented in Washington.

Looking Ahead

With the midterms just over a year away, the pressure on Democratic lawmakers is intensifying. Schiff and other high-profile figures are pushing for a reset—both in message and in strategy.

“We can’t win by default,” Schiff warned. “We have to give Americans a real reason to believe in us again—through action, vision, and unity.”

As the Democratic Party faces one of its most difficult political chapters in recent memory, how it responds now may determine not only its fate in 2026—but its long-term role in shaping America’s future.