Booker Criticises Trump and Musk’s Impact on US Democracy
In a historic moment, Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey broke the record for the longest speech ever given on the US Senate floor. The Democratic senator delivered a 25-hour speech that extended from 7pm on Monday until late Tuesday evening.
Booker’s marathon speech aimed to criticise President Donald Trump and his key adviser, Elon Musk, accusing them of threatening US democratic institutions. The speech, lasting more than 25 hours, surpassed the previous record held by Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 to block the Civil Rights Act.
A Marathon of Endurance and Determination
Booker made it clear that he would continue speaking for as long as he was “physically able”. As the hours passed, he became fatigued, but his delivery remained strong. His speech highlighted the threat posed by Trump’s actions during the first months of his second presidential term.
Booker’s speech centred on Trump’s attempts to challenge the democratic fabric of the United States, which he described as “reckless” and “unconstitutional”. He condemned the administration’s push to dismantle federal agencies and reduce government spending, which he said would negatively impact American society.
The Trump-Musk Agenda
Booker devoted a significant portion of his speech to criticising the collaboration between President Trump and Elon Musk. Musk, who leads the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, has been pushing to cut federal spending and reduce the size of government. Booker said that these actions could undermine vital services such as healthcare, education, and veterans’ services.
Musk’s proposal to eliminate several US foreign aid programs and reduce the workforce in public health and social security departments has sparked significant debate. Booker emphasised the detrimental effects these policies could have on the American people, especially those who rely on federal services for their well-being.
A Record-Breaking Moment in Senate History
The speech began at 7pm local time on Monday, and by the 23rd hour, Booker had surpassed the previous Senate speech record. At that point, Booker acknowledged the physical strain but remained committed to continuing. He noted that the urgency of the moment required him to stand firm and raise his concerns.
The longest speech by a sitting senator had previously been held by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. In 2013, Cruz spoke for 21 hours and 19 minutes in an effort to block the Affordable Care Act. Booker’s speech, although not a traditional filibuster, halted other Senate actions. It was a direct challenge to Trump’s policies and agenda.
Sen BOOKER has now bypassed Sen Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) 21 hour 19 minute filibuster against the ACA from 2013 (that was the green eggs and ham one).
Booker is now has the fourth longest Senate floor speech in history.
If he gets to 7:19pm he’ll break the record set in 1957: pic.twitter.com/DCBRsSyB5N
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) April 1, 2025
Booker’s Motivations and Support from Democrats
Booker’s critics have suggested that his speech was a bid for personal attention. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields dismissed Booker’s actions, calling it an attempt to replicate the “I am Spartacus” moment from Booker’s presidential campaign. “That didn’t work for his failed presidential campaign, and it didn’t work to block President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh,” Fields stated.
As Booker neared the 25-hour mark, several of his fellow Democratic colleagues visited the Senate floor to ask him questions. These breaks allowed him to maintain control of his speaking time. At one point, when Booker dropped a piece of paper, Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado quickly assisted him.
A Call to Action Against Trump’s Administration
Throughout his speech, Booker used the words of late Representative John Lewis, encouraging activists to get into “good trouble” in response to Trump’s policies. Booker invoked the spirit of activism as he spoke out against what he saw as an unjust attack on America’s democratic institutions.
“The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent,” Booker asserted. “We all must do more to stand against them.”
Booker’s speech highlighted the growing discontent among Democrats regarding Trump’s administration, particularly his approach to foreign policy and government efficiency reforms. Many Democrats are concerned about the potential impact these policies could have on the nation’s social fabric and international relations.
Figure 1: Booker used the words of Late Representative John Lewis to encourage activists
The Trump Administration’s Controversial Agenda
Trump’s first weeks in office saw significant moves to shrink the federal government, including proposals to eliminate the Department of Education and withhold approved spending. Critics of the administration have argued that these actions undermine key public services and agencies vital to the nation’s well-being.
Booker emphasised that the current political environment is not normal. He said that the attacks on US democratic institutions are “reckless” and should not be treated lightly by the Senate. His speech served as a clear message to lawmakers to take action against policies that threaten the nation’s foundational values.
A Historic and Enduring Speech
it’s record-breaking speech is a symbol of the growing tension between Democrats and the Trump administration. While it was not technically a filibuster, the speech effectively stalled Senate activity and captured the attention of the nation. it’s delivery was unwavering, even as fatigue set in.
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At the heart of it’s message was a call to defend democracy and resist actions that could undermine the rights and freedoms of the American people. His speech remains a significant moment in US political history, drawing attention to the urgent need for lawmakers to safeguard the nation’s democratic institutions.
A Pivotal Moment
Senator Cory it’s 25-hour speech has become a pivotal moment in US Senate history. It stands as a bold statement against the policies of President Trump and Elon Musk, which views as a direct threat to the nation’s democratic foundations. While his actions faced criticism, its commitment to standing up for democracy resonated with many. The senator’s speech will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the ongoing battle for the future of the American political landscape.
