Cory Booker Sets Marathon Speech Record in Senate Against Trump Policies
Democratic Senator speaks for over 25 hours, establishing a new Senate record in opposition to the Trump administration.
On April 2, 2025, Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, set a new record for the longest speech in the history of the United States Senate, speaking for over 25 hours against the policies of President Donald Trump.
Booker began his address at 7:00 PM local time on Monday, continuing until 8:05 PM on Tuesday, clocking in at 25 hours and 5 minutes.
This new record surpasses the previous one held by Republican Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act.
Booker maintained his speech without sitting down or leaving to use the restroom, adhering to the rules of the chamber that require continuous speaking to keep the floor.
In his speech, Booker aimed to highlight the negative impacts of the Trump administration's policies on American citizens, emphasizing what he described as a national crisis.
He stated, "The threats to the American people and to democracy are serious and urgent, and we all must do more to combat them."
Throughout his address, Booker responded to questions posed by fellow Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
This allowed him short breaks while ensuring he retained his speaking privileges.
His remarks included criticism of proposed public spending cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by Elon Musk, as well as a rebuke of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Booker also shared testimonies from those adversely affected by the current government's actions.
Upon being informed that he had surpassed the previous record, Booker expressed emotion but acknowledged the physical challenges of continuing to speak.
In recent years, other notable extended speeches in the Senate include Republican Ted Cruz’s 21-hour address in 2013 against the Affordable Care Act, and a 15-hour and 26-minute speech by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who protested the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Cory Booker has been a senator since 2013 and is part of the Democratic leadership in the Senate.
He previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, which ultimately was awarded to Joe Biden.
Notably, Booker is one of only 14 African American senators in U.S. history and the first elected from New Jersey.
He is recognized for his advocacy to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, seeking to address racial disparities in drug enforcement.
Booker began his address at 7:00 PM local time on Monday, continuing until 8:05 PM on Tuesday, clocking in at 25 hours and 5 minutes.
This new record surpasses the previous one held by Republican Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act.
Booker maintained his speech without sitting down or leaving to use the restroom, adhering to the rules of the chamber that require continuous speaking to keep the floor.
In his speech, Booker aimed to highlight the negative impacts of the Trump administration's policies on American citizens, emphasizing what he described as a national crisis.
He stated, "The threats to the American people and to democracy are serious and urgent, and we all must do more to combat them."
Throughout his address, Booker responded to questions posed by fellow Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
This allowed him short breaks while ensuring he retained his speaking privileges.
His remarks included criticism of proposed public spending cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by Elon Musk, as well as a rebuke of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Booker also shared testimonies from those adversely affected by the current government's actions.
Upon being informed that he had surpassed the previous record, Booker expressed emotion but acknowledged the physical challenges of continuing to speak.
In recent years, other notable extended speeches in the Senate include Republican Ted Cruz’s 21-hour address in 2013 against the Affordable Care Act, and a 15-hour and 26-minute speech by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who protested the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Cory Booker has been a senator since 2013 and is part of the Democratic leadership in the Senate.
He previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, which ultimately was awarded to Joe Biden.
Notably, Booker is one of only 14 African American senators in U.S. history and the first elected from New Jersey.
He is recognized for his advocacy to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, seeking to address racial disparities in drug enforcement.
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