In a dramatic display of political resistance, Cory Booker, a Democratic senator from New Jersey, delivered an unprecedented 25-hour and 5-minute speech on the floor of the US Senate.
His marathon speech, which spanned overnight into Tuesday evening, was aimed at opposing policies of US President Donald Trump, particularly proposed cuts to Social Security offices under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk.
Booker’s speech not only made history but also a decades-old Senate record previously held by Strom Thurmond, a segregationist senator who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 to oppose the Civil Rights Act.
Booker’s record-breaking speech focused on the urgent need for the Democratic Party to stand united in resistance to what he described as a grave political crisis.
“These are not normal times in our nation,” Booker declared. “The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them.”
During his address, Booker also invoked the words of civil rights icon John Lewis, urging Americans to take action beyond just words and political rhetoric. “You think we got civil rights because Strom Thurmond changed his mind? No. We got civil rights because people marched, people bled, and John Lewis sacrificed,” Booker said, underscoring the importance of active, collective efforts for social change.
Despite the physical toll, Booker stood for over a full day with little more than water to sustain him, having fasted beforehand. His colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, occasionally joined him, offering support and questions to help sustain his endurance. Jeffries described the event as “an incredibly powerful stand for democracy.”
Although Booker’s speech was not officially a filibuster—used to block specific legislation—it was designed to draw national attention to the controversial actions of the Trump administration. Tens of thousands of people watched the speech live, with many gathering outside the US Capitol in support.
This historic moment could have significant political implications. As the Democratic Party faces divisions between its traditional leadership and a new, younger generation of political figures, Booker’s bold stance could position him as a prominent leader in the ongoing resistance to Trump’s policies.
At the end of his speech, Booker delivered a powerful message: “I may be afraid — my voice may shake — but I’m going to speak up more.” His words were met with applause from his colleagues, solidifying his place as a key figure in the future of American politics.
