Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker made history on Tuesday by delivering the longest speech in Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes in a passionate protest against former President Donald Trump’s "unconstitutional" actions.
Booker, a Democratic senator from New Jersey, remained on his feet for the entirety of his speech, enduring exhaustion and dehydration to voice his concerns about Trump's policies. His remarkable display of stamina drew comparisons to the iconic scene in the 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in which a lone senator stands against corruption.
The previous record for the longest Senate speech was held by South Carolina’s Strom Thurmond, who filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in opposition to the Civil Rights Act. Booker's speech surpassed that mark, marking a historic moment in American legislative history.
A Stand Against Trump’s Policies
Booker began his speech at 7:00 PM (EST) on Monday, concluding at 8:05 PM on Tuesday, during which he fiercely criticized Trump’s cost-cutting measures and consolidation of executive power, which he claimed threatened U.S. democracy.
"Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds," Booker declared. "Institutions that are precious and unique to our country are being recklessly—even unconstitutionally—attacked and shattered."
Senate Reactions and Public Support
As Booker neared the record-breaking moment, the public galleries in the Senate chamber filled with spectators, with Democratic lawmakers joining in support. Republicans, however, largely remained absent from the session.
"This is a moral moment. It’s not left or right. It’s right or wrong," Booker stated as he wrapped up, quoting his late mentor, civil rights leader John Lewis, who encouraged activists to get into "good trouble."
His speech also garnered support outside the Capitol, where a small crowd gathered with signs reading, "Thank You, Senator Booker."
The Physical Toll
Speaking for over 25 hours without breaks took a severe physical toll on the senator. To endure the challenge, Booker revealed he had stopped eating and drinking in advance to minimize disruptions.
"My strategy was to stop eating on Friday and then stop drinking the night before I started on Monday," Booker told reporters afterward. "Different muscle groups start to really cramp up."
Despite the strain, Booker remained determined and energized until the end. In a lighthearted moment, as he passed the record, he joked, "I want to go a little bit past this and then I’m going to deal with some of the biological urgencies I’m feeling."
A Rallying Cry for Democrats
Although Booker's talk-a-thon did not formally block Senate proceedings, it became a rallying point for Democrats in opposition to Trump’s policies. The speech also reignited debates over the balance of power in Washington and the future of the Democratic Party’s resistance efforts.
"The power of the people is greater than the people in power," Booker declared in his closing remarks, urging Americans to continue fighting for democracy and justice.
His historic stand has cemented his place in Senate history and ignited a new wave of political activism among his supporters.
