Senator Cory Booker Sets Record with 25-Hour Speech Opposing President Trump's Agenda
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) delivered a historic 25-hour and five-minute speech on the Senate floor, breaking the previous record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. Booker's marathon address, which began at 7 p.m. on Monday and concluded just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, was a protest against President Donald Trump's policies.
“These are not normal times in America, and they should not be treated as such,” Booker said early in the speech. “When democracy is in peril, silence is complicity.” He aimed to inspire his fellow Democrats and underscore the extraordinary nature of the current political climate. Throughout his address, Booker invoked the legacy of civil rights leaders, notably referencing the late Congressman John Lewis's call to make "good trouble.
Booker's speech surpassed Thurmond's 1957 filibuster of 24 hours and 18 minutes, which was an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act. Addressing this historical context, Booker remarked, “I stand here because the man who once held this record tried to block the rights that so many of us now cherish. If breaking that record can be a symbolic reversal — then so be it.”
The extended speech attracted attention from both media and social platforms, offering a boost to Senate Democrats. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), were present in the chamber to support Booker. At one point, Schumer interjected to inform Booker that he had broken the record, prompting a standing ovation from Democratic colleagues and even applause from Republican Representative Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming.
Booker's address covered a range of issues, including federal budget cuts, threats to free speech, immigration enforcement, and the management of the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk. He read letters from constituents detailing the personal impacts of the administration's policies and warned of a "looming constitutional crisis.
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) praised Booker, stating, "Cory reminded us why we fight. It wasn’t just about endurance — it was about conviction.”
Booker, who has a history of advocating for unity and criminal justice reform, has served in the Senate since 2013. He ran for president in 2019. His recent marathon speech is seen as a significant moment for Democrats seeking to galvanize opposition to President Trump's agenda.
As he left the chamber, visibly exhausted but resolute, Booker was greeted by a line of staff and senators who embraced him.
1 Comment