Chuck Schumer Under Criminal Probe

THE NEWS

Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin in Washington, D.C., announced a new investigation on Wednesday, dubbed “Operation Whirlwind,” in response to threats allegedly directed at federal employees working under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Martin specifically named Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as a subject of a threats probe, pointing to the senator’s fiery 2020 remarks referencing “the whirlwind.” While Schumer’s office says the senator apologized at the time for his language and clarified he was referencing “political consequences,” Martin claims he is seeking an explanation.

TIMELINE

March 2020: Schumer’s Fiery Rally

• While opposing a Supreme Court decision on abortion rights, Sen. Chuck Schumer warned Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, saying: “You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price.” He soon apologized on the Senate floor, clarifying he meant “political consequences.”

January 21, 2025: Schumer Under Inquiry

• Martin sends a letter to Sen. Schumer about his past remarks. The senator’s office acknowledges receiving it on February 4, then sends a response on February 6 pointing to Schumer’s 2020 apology.

Tuesday: High-Profile Resignation

• The lead criminal prosecutor in Martin’s office resigns, alleging Martin pressured her to investigate a Biden-era contract and freeze assets without sufficient evidence to justify those actions.

Wednesday: “Operation Whirlwind” Announced

• Martin formally launches the probe into threats against DOGE employees and indicates he considers Schumer’s 2020 statements relevant to the investigation.

REACTIONS

Ed Martin (Interim U.S. Attorney, D.C.): Frames Operation Whirlwind as vital to protect DOGE staffers from harassment, extending it to examine Schumer’s prior remarks on “the whirlwind.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.): Emphasizes he apologized in 2020 for his strong wording and never intended any physical threat toward the justices; his office cooperated with Martin’s inquiries.

Schumer’s Chief of Staff: Affirms the senator’s stance, citing Schumer’s immediate Senate-floor clarification that he referred only to political repercussions.

DOGE Staff: Claim to have experienced threats or intimidation as they implement layoffs, prompting Martin’s latest probe.

Departing Prosecutor: Alleges Martin politicized the Justice Department, including efforts to sanction or freeze assets related to the Biden administration despite weak evidence.

WHAT'S NEXT

Prosecutors will examine threats against DOGE workers and Schumer’s alleged role. Legal experts doubt charges will materialize against Schumer.