WASHINGTON—In an extraordinary act of endurance and determination, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered a historic marathon speech on the Senate floor, breaking a longstanding record while voicing strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies.
Booker took the floor Monday evening, pledging to speak “as long as physically possible.” More than 24 hours later, the 55-year-old lawmaker was still standing, setting a new record for the longest continuous Senate speech. Fellow Democratic senators occasionally interjected with questions, providing brief moments of respite while allowing him to maintain control of the floor.
The extended address was a significant display of resistance by Democrats aiming to demonstrate to their supporters that they are actively challenging Trump’s agenda. In a poignant historical moment, Booker’s speech surpassed the 1957 filibuster by Senator Strom Thurmond, who had spoken for over 24 hours in an attempt to block civil rights legislation.
“I’m here because, as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful,” Booker declared, referencing his family’s history as descendants of both enslaved individuals and slaveholders.
Senate Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who visited the chamber to witness the speech firsthand, described it as “an incredibly powerful moment,” noting that Booker’s record-breaking address stood in stark contrast to Thurmond’s opposition to racial equality decades earlier.
A Call to Action
Booker used the platform to urge his party to take a stronger stand, emphasizing the urgency of the current political climate. “These are not normal times in our nation,” he warned. “And they should not be treated as such.”
Throughout his speech, he criticized Trump’s proposed budget cuts to essential government programs, including Social Security. He also read letters from concerned constituents, including one expressing fear over what they perceived as a growing constitutional crisis under the Trump administration.
Senate rules required Booker to remain standing, preventing him from taking breaks. He limited his water intake to avoid having to leave the chamber. As the hours stretched on, he received support from colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who commended Booker’s resolve: “Your strength, your fortitude, and your clarity have been nothing short of amazing.”
Booker’s determination and emotional delivery captivated viewers across the country. His speech was streamed live, drawing tens of thousands of viewers eager to witness history in the making.
Breaking Records and Making History
By Tuesday afternoon, Booker had surpassed not only Thurmond’s record but also the 21-hour speech given by Senator Ted Cruz in 2013. As anticipation grew in the Capitol, Democratic senators gathered to witness the moment, and the chamber erupted in applause as Schumer officially announced that Booker had set the new record.
Even as he neared exhaustion, Booker remained focused on his message, repeatedly invoking the words of the late civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis: “You think we got civil rights one day because Strom Thurmond changed his mind? No, we got civil rights because people marched, fought, and bled for it.”
Though his speech was not a traditional filibuster meant to block legislation, it served as a strategic move to disrupt Senate proceedings and shine a spotlight on Trump’s controversial policies. With Democrats lacking a majority in either chamber, procedural tactics like these have become crucial in their efforts to push back against the administration.
Will It Galvanize Anti-Trump Resistance?
As Booker continues his second Senate term, this moment could solidify his status as a key figure in the Democratic Party. His passionate stand may resonate with progressive activists and voters looking for leadership in the battle against Trump’s policies.
Millions tuned in across various platforms to watch his speech, signaling widespread interest in his message. His ability to capture national attention with this bold move raises the question: will this historic stand ignite a broader resistance movement against Trump’s agenda?
Regardless of the long-term impact, Booker’s record-setting speech has already cemented his place in Senate history, serving as a defining moment in the ongoing struggle over the direction of the nation’s policies and values.