Senator Cory Booker made history overnight when he spoke on the United States Senate floor for a record-breaking 24 hours straight to protest Donald Trump’s presidency.
Since taking office, Trump has defied constitutional norms by ignoring Congress, defying court orders, and unilaterally implementing a string of policies on everything from immigration to foreign policy.
The New Jersey senator accused Trump of showing a “complete disregard for the rule of law, the US constitution and the needs of the American people” in his marathon speech and said the administration’s policies had “inflicted harm” on the public.
A record-breaking speech
Long speeches are often used in the US Senate to block legislation or the confirmation of government officials, however, in Booker’s case, the tactic was used only as a form of protest.
The rules of the chamber stipulate that to hold the floor, the speaker must remain standing and speak more or less continuously. To achieve this, Booker had his chair removed and had his fellow Democrats ask him questions intermittently, which is the only way a senator can take a break from speaking without losing their position.
The previous record had been set in 1957 by segregationist Strom Thurmond, who had taken the podium at the time to oppose the Civil Rights Act — which aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans.
A supporter of Cory Booker outside the US Capitol building as he gave his record-breaking speech. Source: EPA / Jim Lo Scalzo
What did Booker say?
“I rise tonight because our nation is in crisis,” he said in part.
“Bedrock commitments are being broken. Unnecessary hardship is being borne by Americans of all backgrounds. Our institutions are being recklessly and unconstitutionally attacked and even shattered.
“In just 71 days, the president has inflicted harm after harm on Americans’ safety; financial stability; the foundations of our democracy; and any sense of common decency.
“These are not normal times in our nation.”
What has been the response?
Tens of thousands of people from all over the world tuned into the YouTube livestream to watch Booker speak at various points.
His Democratic colleagues also lined up behind him to show support.
“I thank the gentlemen for his fortitude, his strength, and the crystalline brilliance with which he has shown the American people the huge dangers that face them with this Trump-DOGE-Musk administration,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said, when asked about Booker’s efforts.
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