Senator Cory Booker Breaks Record with 25-Hour Senate Speech Opposing Trump Policies

U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered the longest speech in Senate history, lasting over 25 hours. Starting at 7 p.m. on March 31 and ending after 8 p.m. on April 1, 2025, his speech challenged President Donald Trump’s recent executive actions, which he labeled as unconstitutional.

Booker surpassed the previous Senate speech record held by Senator Strom Thurmond, who filibustered the Civil Rights Act in 1957 for 24 hours and 18 minutes. Booker's continuous address spanned 25 hours and five minutes, drawing national attention for its intensity and message.

Symbolic Protest Sparks Democratic Unity

Though not a technical filibuster — it didn’t block Senate votes — the speech quickly became a symbol of resistance among Democrats. Booker, the fourth Black senator elected by popular vote, stood uninterrupted without bathroom breaks, echoing themes from the classic film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Throughout the speech, Booker condemned Trump’s sweeping cost-cutting measures, particularly those implemented by senior advisor Elon Musk. He accused the administration of bypassing Congress and warned that democracy was under serious threat.

Warning Against Growing Executive Overreach

Booker used his platform to highlight the strain placed on American citizens and democratic institutions. "Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds," he said. He added that cherished democratic structures were being "recklessly, and I would say even unconstitutionally, affected, attacked, even shattered."

The senator’s speech resonated across party lines and among civil society groups, drawing attention to what he described as unprecedented overreach by the executive branch.

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