In a historic moment, U.S. Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey made headlines by speaking for over 25 hours in the Senate. His long speech wasn’t just about breaking records – it was a strong protest against the actions of former President Donald Trump and his administration.
Booker’s powerful speech now holds the record for the longest Senate speech, beating a 67-year-old record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957.
Booker Begins His Marathon Speech
Cory Booker started speaking on Monday evening at 6:59 p.m. His aim was clear – to disrupt the usual Senate work and bring attention to what he called harmful policies by President Trump. He didn’t say he was trying to set a record, but as time passed, it became clear that his speech was going to make history.
He crossed the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes on Tuesday at 7:18 p.m. and finally stopped at 8:05 p.m., completing a 25-hour, 6-minute speech.
The Motivation Behind the Speech
Booker said his speech was not about breaking records but about standing up for the people affected by Trump’s policies. He reflected on how the man whose record he broke, Strom Thurmond, had once tried to block civil rights. Booker, one of only five Black senators, made it clear that he was standing for justice and equality.
Support From Fellow Democrats
Throughout his long speech, Booker was joined by other Democratic senators like Chris Murphy, Amy Klobuchar, Mazie Hirono, and Dick Durbin. They helped him by joining in conversations, allowing him short breaks while still keeping control of the Senate floor.
Murphy especially praised Booker, noting how different his speech was from Thurmond’s. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also praised Booker’s courage and strength, saying that the whole country was watching and listening.
Public Response and Social Media Buzz
Booker’s speech drew tens of thousands of viewers online. Many Americans, especially Democrats, were frustrated with Trump’s second-term policies, and Booker gave voice to their concerns.
From healthcare to foreign policy, he talked about many issues, including Trump’s plans for tariffs, cuts to Medicaid, and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Booker’s Physical Preparation for the Speech
To avoid bathroom breaks, Booker said he started fasting days before his speech. He stopped eating on Friday and stopped drinking water on Sunday night. This led to dehydration and cramps, but he continued his speech with strong determination, sipping water occasionally and using a binder full of notes.
Booker ended his speech just before the Senate voted on the nomination of Matthew Whitaker as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. His speech delayed several votes, including one on a Democratic plan to block Trump’s proposed tariffs.