In a remarkable display of endurance and conviction, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has been speaking on the Senate floor for over 18 hours, protesting various policies enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration. Commencing his speech at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 31, 2025, Booker has vowed to continue “for as long as I am physically able,” highlighting what he describes as a “crisis” facing the nation.
Throughout his extended address, Booker criticizes several actions taken by the Trump administration, including the implementation of tariffs, efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, and other policies he deems harmful to American democracy and societal well-being. He underscores the urgency of these issues by sharing stories from constituents adversely affected by these measures, aiming to personalize the broader political discourse.
Booker’s speech is not a filibuster in the traditional sense, as it is not intended to block specific legislation. Instead, it serves as a symbolic act to draw attention to what he perceives as detrimental actions by the current administration. During his address, he invokes the legacy of civil rights leaders, notably quoting the late Congressman John Lewis’s call to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” emphasizing the moral imperative to stand against injustice.
The senator receives support from several Democratic colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who praises Booker’s dedication and echoes concerns about the administration’s policies. Despite the physically demanding nature of his prolonged speech, Booker remains resolute, stating, “I will stand here for as many hours as I can.”
This marathon speech places Booker among a select group of senators known for extended addresses. While his speech has surpassed 18 hours, it remains shy of the record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes.
As the speech continues, it garners significant public attention, with thousands tuning into live streams to witness this act of political protest. Booker’s unwavering commitment underscores a deep-seated concern for the direction of national policies and reflects a broader sentiment of urgency among those who oppose the current administration’s agenda.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/cory-booker-senate-speech-trump
https://apnews.com/article/cory-booker-new-jersey-senator-speech-ab573bb7c3c76fa107cacac7136d3823
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/us-news/sen-cory-bookers-marathon-filibuster-against-trump-agenda-goes-on-and-on-and/
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/cory-booker-is-still-standing
https://decider.com/2025/04/01/how-to-watch-cory-booker-filibuster-live/
https://apnews.com/article/4540f0c98e620b591bfbea8c1001419a
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/nx-s1-5347318/cory-booker-senate-speech
https://www.news9.com/story/67ebf6d9597ac14c73d4185f/sen-cory-booker-delivers-marathon-speech-to-protest-president-trump-policies
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorCoryBooker/videos/americas-moral-moment-senator-cory-booker-continues-speak-on-the-floor-of-the-se/691522999884988/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_Booker%27s_marathon_speech
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_Booker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5NfmuIzR84&pp=ygVvU2VuYXRvciBDb3J5IEJvb2tlciBpcyBub3cgbW9yZSB0aGFuIDEyIGhvdXJzIGludG8gYSBwcm90ZXN0IG9mIHRoZSBUcnVtcCBBZG1pbmlzdHJhdGlvbiBvbiB0aGUgU2VuYXRlIGZsb29yLiAg
