In a remarkable display of endurance and political protest, New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker set a new record for the longest continuous speech in Senate history, speaking for over 24 hours from March 31 to April 1, 2025. The marathon address was a response to what Booker characterized as the "grave and urgent" threats posed by the Trump administration's policies.
Booker began his speech at 7 p.m. on March 31, vowing to speak as long as he was "physically able." He aimed to disrupt the normal business of the United States Senate to highlight the administration's actions, which he argued were undermining American democracy and safety. By 7:19 p.m. on April 1, Booker broke the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957 during a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act.
As he crossed the record threshold, applause erupted in the Senate chamber. Democratic colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, praised Booker's strength and clarity during his unprecedented speech. Schumer called it a "tour de force," emphasizing the importance of Booker's message against the backdrop of the Trump administration's policies.
Throughout the speech, Booker criticized cuts to Social Security and other essential services, which he attributed to the administration's agenda led by Trump and adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. He warned of the dire consequences of these cuts, stating, "Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds, and institutions which are special in America, which are precious, which are unique in our country, are being recklessly attacked and even shattered."
Booker read letters from constituents expressing their fears about the potential loss of vital services, including one from a voter diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who worried about how cuts to Social Security would affect their family. "I’m going to fight to protect your Social Security," Booker declared, emphasizing the need for the Senate to listen to the voices of everyday Americans.
His speech was not a filibuster in the traditional sense, as he did not aim to block specific legislation but rather to raise awareness of the broader implications of the Trump administration's policies. He utilized the opportunity to invoke historical figures such as civil rights leader John Lewis, calling him "one of my greatest heroes of life." Booker quoted Lewis' famous exhortation to "get in good trouble, necessary trouble" as a guiding principle for his actions on the Senate floor.
As the hours rolled on, Booker was joined by fellow Democratic senators who asked him questions, allowing him brief moments of respite. Among those who supported him were Senators Chris Murphy, who had previously held the floor for nearly 15 hours in 2016 to advocate for gun control, and Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black party leader in Congress, who called the moment "incredibly powerful" for breaking the record set by a segregationist.
Despite the physical toll, Booker remained resolute, stating, "I don’t have much gas left in the tank" but continued to push forward. His speech garnered significant attention, with tens of thousands of viewers tuning in through live streams on platforms like TikTok, where his speech received over 220 million likes.
Booker’s remarks also touched on the urgency of the current political climate, stating, "These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate." He emphasized the need for Democrats to find their resolve and act decisively against the challenges posed by the administration.
In a moment of reflection, Booker addressed the historical significance of surpassing Thurmond's record, acknowledging the weight of the legacy he was stepping into. "I’m not here because of his speech. I’m here despite his speech. I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful," he proclaimed, reinforcing the idea that the collective voice of the people holds greater power than any individual in the Senate.
As he concluded his speech, Booker called on Americans to respond not only with resistance to the administration's actions but also with kindness and generosity towards their communities. "I may be afraid — my voice may shake — but I’m going to speak up more," he said, underscoring his commitment to advocating for those who feel marginalized.
Booker's record-breaking speech serves as a testament to the power of individual voices in the political arena and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America. As Democrats continue to navigate the challenges posed by the current administration, Booker's actions may inspire a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to the principles of democracy.
