On Tuesday, Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey set a new record for the longest Senate speech in 68 years, speaking for nearly two days straight without meals while criticizing Republican President Donald Trump.
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Booker began his speech on Monday during a Senate session, denouncing Trump and Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency(DOGE).
Starting at 7 PM on Monday, Booker spoke continuously, surpassing the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes by Tuesday at 7:19 PM. His colleagues applauded as he reached a total of 25 hours and 4 minutes.
The previous record was held by Republican Senator Strom Thurmond, who filibustered against the Civil Rights Act in 1957. However, Booker’s speech was not a filibuster to block legislation, as Senate rules allow for unlimited debate.
To maintain his speaking privileges, Booker adhered to strict Senate rules that required a senator to remain standing and not leave the podium. He removed the chair from the podium and avoided food and restroom breaks. His colleagues assisted by asking questions, allowing him to drink water while responding.
At 55, Booker, a former college football player, served as the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 2006 to 2013 and has been a senator since 2013.
He began his speech by declaring that the country is not in a normal situation. And America doesn’t deserve to be treated this way. He added that he truly believes this country is in crisis, which is why he has taken this stand, vowing to continue speaking for as long as physically possible.
Booker criticized Trump’s policies, including Musk’s involvement in federal affairs, the dismantling of the Department of Education, and the deportation of undocumented immigrants. He stressed that in just 71 days since taking office, Trump has done far too much damage to America’s safety, financial stability, and the core of American democracy.
During his speech, Booker read letters from constituents, media reports, and historic speeches. His remarks were live-streamed on social media and broadcast by news outlets.
