Cory Booker Sets Record with 25-Hour Anti-Trump Speech

On April 1, 2025, Senator Cory Booker, a Democratic legislator from New Jersey, made history with the longest speech ever recorded in the Senate, standing firm for more than 25 hours in a passionate protest against President Donald Trump’s “unconstitutional” policies.

In a dramatic showcase reminiscent of the iconic filibuster scene from Frank Capra’s 1939 classic film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” Booker maintained his stamina, refraining from even taking bathroom breaks.

Booker surpassed the previous record held by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who engaged in a filibuster lasting 24 hours and 18 minutes against the 1957 Civil Rights Act.

As a trailblazer—being only the fourth African American senator elected by popular vote—Booker’s speech stretched to a remarkable 25 hours and five minutes. The Senate’s public galleries filled with spectators as he approached this new milestone, while many Democratic colleagues joined him in the chamber, though Republicans largely opted out.

“This is a moral moment. It’s not about left or right; it’s about right or wrong,” Booker declared as he concluded his heartfelt address.

He referenced his mentor, civil rights leader John Lewis, encouraging activists to get into “good trouble,” before finally stating, “Madam President, I yield the floor.”

In a lighter moment, once he crossed the record, the 55-year-old senator quipped, “I want to go a little past this and then I’m going to address some biological urgencies I’m feeling.”

A small crowd gathered outside the Capitol, waving signs that expressed gratitude with messages like “Thank you, Senator Booker.”

Democratic Mobilization

While Booker’s marathon speech did not obstruct the Republican majority from conducting votes—a hallmark of a traditional filibuster—his bold stance quickly became a symbol of resilience for embattled Democrats.

The former presidential candidate commenced his address at 7 PM on Monday and concluded at 8:05 PM on Tuesday, sharply criticizing Trump’s sweeping budget cuts, which were often pushed through by his chief advisor, Elon Musk, without congressional approval.

Booker exclaimed that Trump’s overreach of executive power posed a significant threat to U.S. democracy, stating, “Unnecessary hardships are being endured by Americans across the spectrum. Unique institutions that are integral to America are being recklessly and, I would argue, unconstitutionally harmed.”

In just over two months in office, Booker lamented the president had already caused considerable damage to the safety and financial stability of the American people and the very foundations of democracy.

Yet, he left his adversaries with a message of hope, asserting, “The power of the people exceeds the power of those in authority.”

The Physical Challenge

In discussing his endurance strategy, Booker detailed how he managed the rigors of such a lengthy speech. “I stopped eating on Friday and refrained from drinking the night before I began on Monday,” he shared with reporters at the Capitol. “It had its pros and serious cons… My muscles started cramping up from the dehydration.”

In an official statement, he admitted, “I’m tired and a little hoarse.”

With Democrats holding minority positions in both Chambers of Congress, they have struggled to counter Trump’s government downsizing initiatives and aggressive deportation strategies. Senator Raphael Warnock applauded him on the Senate floor, thanking him for his relentless dedication to the nation.

Throughout his oratory, Booker not only voiced his opposition to Trump’s policies but also shared poetry, discussed sports, and even entertained questions from his colleagues. “If you love your neighbor and this country, demonstrate that love. Prevent them from executing their intended actions,” he encouraged.