New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker has been making headlines with his marathon speech on the Senate floor, which began at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, and has continued into the early hours of Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The senator has vowed to speak "for as long as I am physically able" to protest what he describes as a national "crisis" created by President Donald Trump and senior adviser Elon Musk.
Booker's speech, which has lasted over 14 hours as of Tuesday morning, is not technically classified as a filibuster since he is not blocking a specific bill or nomination. However, it has effectively halted other Senate business, as the chamber cannot conduct its regular proceedings while he is speaking unless he temporarily yields the floor.
At the outset of his address, Booker expressed his intention to disrupt the normal operations of the Senate, stating, "I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able. I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our nation is in crisis." He emphasized that these are not normal times in America, urging his colleagues to recognize the urgency of the situation.
In his remarks, Booker has criticized Trump for what he sees as harmful policies that threaten American safety, financial stability, and the very foundations of democracy. He stated, "In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans' safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy and even our aspirations as a people for – from our highest offices – a sense of common decency."
Among the topics he has addressed are proposed cuts to essential programs such as Medicaid and Social Security, which he argues would disproportionately harm low-income families and the vulnerable. Booker pointed out that the Trump administration's agenda appears focused on benefiting billionaires and corporations at the expense of ordinary Americans, saying, "They are trying to gut Medicaid and Medicare, programs on which nearly a third of our country rely – all to pay for tax cuts to billionaires and corporations."
As he spoke, Booker also shared letters from constituents who expressed their fears and concerns about the direction of the country under Trump's leadership. One of the letters highlighted alarm over Trump's rhetoric regarding annexing Greenland and Canada, which the writer described as indicative of a looming constitutional crisis.
Throughout the night, Booker received support from fellow Democrats, who would periodically yield him the floor to ask questions, allowing him brief breaks without losing his place in the speech. This tactic has been employed strategically, as it enables him to maintain his position while also engaging with colleagues.
Senator Raphael Warnock praised Booker for his efforts, stating he was "very proud" of his colleague for taking a stand against the administration's policies. Warnock, himself an advocate for expanding Medicaid in Georgia, echoed Booker's sentiments about the urgency of the moment.
Booker’s marathon speech is reminiscent of other notable long speeches in Senate history, although it falls short of the record set by former Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. While Booker's speech is not a filibuster in the traditional sense, it highlights the growing tensions within the Senate as Democrats face mounting pressure to respond to Trump's controversial policies.
As the speech continued into the early hours of Tuesday, it became clear that the political stakes were high. With elections taking place in Wisconsin and Florida on April 1, 2025, many view these contests as a test of Trump's popularity and the influence of Musk, who has been a significant ally to the president. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race, in particular, has drawn considerable attention, as it could shift the ideological balance of the court.
In addition to discussing healthcare and social safety net concerns, Booker has also addressed broader issues related to immigration policy and foreign relations. He criticized Trump's approach to international allies, arguing that it has left the U.S. in a vulnerable position while emboldening adversaries.
As the Senate prepares to convene for the day, Booker's speech is set to remain a focal point in the ongoing political discourse surrounding the Trump administration. His commitment to speaking out against what he perceives as injustices reflects a growing sentiment among many Democrats who are increasingly frustrated with the current administration's policies.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a long speech, Booker has shown resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of activism that has characterized his political career. As the senator continues to speak, his colleagues and constituents are watching closely, eager to see how this moment will shape the ongoing battle for the future of American democracy.
