On March 31, 2025, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey made history by delivering a 25-hour and 5-minute speech on the Senate floor, breaking the previous filibuster record set by Strom Thurmond in 1957. Booker’s marathon speech was a passionate protest against President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly those related to cuts in government services and social programs. His unprecedented stand captured national attention, igniting debates about the role of filibusters in American politics and the impact of Trump’s administration.
Why Booker Spoke for Over a Day
Booker’s speech was a direct response to President Trump’s proposed budget cuts and restructuring efforts under Elon Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency. The administration aimed to streamline federal agencies, which included significant reductions to Social Security offices, public housing programs, and food assistance initiatives. Booker, a longtime advocate for social justice and economic equality, took to the Senate floor to oppose these measures, calling them harmful to millions of Americans.
“I refuse to stay silent while this administration dismantles the very safety net that so many of our citizens rely on,” Booker declared as he began speaking at 7:01 p.m. EDT on March 31. “This is not about efficiency. This is about stripping away dignity and security from hardworking Americans.”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_Booker
The Longest Speech in Senate History
At 25 hours and 5 minutes,Cory Booker’s speech outlasted Thurmond’s 24-hour-and-18-minute filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Unlike Thurmond, who relied on bathroom breaks and strategically placed colleagues to stall a bill, Booker stood uninterrupted, sustained by only a couple of glasses of water. He refused to sit down, earning admiration from fellow lawmakers and supporters.
Throughout the speech, Booker used various methods to keep his momentum:
- Reading Constituent Letters: He shared stories from Americans who would be affected by the proposed budget cuts, highlighting the struggles of senior citizens, low-income families, and veterans.
- Quoting Historical Figures: He invoked the words of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, emphasizing the importance of activism and resistance.
- Engaging with Colleagues: Democratic senators occasionally entered the chamber to support Booker, offering words of encouragement and asking questions to extend the dialogue.
Despite exhaustion setting in, Cory Booker remained resolute, stating, “The fight for justice is never easy, but history will remember those who stood for what was right.”
Reaction from Lawmakers and the Public
Cory Booker’s speech drew mixed reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic colleagues praised his dedication, with Senator Elizabeth Warren calling it “an inspiring display of courage and commitment to the American people.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also commended Cory Booker, stating that his speech “shone a light on the dire consequences of the Trump administration’s reckless policies.”
On the other hand, Republican lawmakers dismissed the speech as political theater. Senator Ted Cruz mocked the effort, tweeting, “25 hours of grandstanding won’t change the fact that the American people want government waste eliminated.” President Trump also responded on his Truth Social account, calling Cory Booker’s speech “the most boring filibuster ever.”
However, public response was overwhelmingly positive, especially on social media. Hashtags like #StandWithBooker and #25HourSpeech trended on Twitter (now known as X), with many users praising the senator’s endurance and commitment. Activists and advocacy groups rallied behind him, using the speech to amplify concerns about the proposed cuts.
What’s Next?
While Cory Booker’s speech did not prevent the Senate from moving forward with the budget proposal, it successfully drew national attention to the issue. Democrats are now pushing for amendments to mitigate some of the proposed cuts, and Booker has vowed to continue fighting against policies that he believes harm vulnerable communities.
“This isn’t over,” Booker said as he finally concluded his speech at 8:06 p.m. on April 1. “We will not let injustice go unchallenged.”
As the Senate moves forward with its debates, one thing is clear: Booker’s historic stand has left an indelible mark on American politics. Whether his marathon speech will lead to concrete policy changes remains to be seen, but for many, it was a powerful reminder of the power of persistence and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
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