“I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.” With those words, New Jersey Democrat Senator Cory Booker began what would become the longest speech in Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes in a marathon demonstration against the Trump administration’s sweeping policies.
Booker’s speech, which started at 7 p.m. on March 31, and concluded around 8 p.m. on April 1, broke the 68-year-old record previously held by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond who spoke for around 24 hours in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Unlike Thurmond’s filibuster which sought to block progress, Booker’s stand was aimed at rallying opposition to what he described as federal overreach.
Taking the floor in protest, Booker condemned the Trump administration’s recent moves, including mass deportations, expansive budget cuts to federal agencies, attempts to end birthright citizenship, the dismantling of USAID, and more.
Throughout his speech, Booker refrained from eating and later told reporters that he had fasted for days beforehand and stopped drinking fluids the night before, consuming only a few glasses of water while at the stand. At times hoarse or strained, Booker’s voice encapsulated Democratic unity and defiance. “This is not right or left, this is right or wrong,” he repeated continually, urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take action.
Many Democrats believe that Booker’s dramatic form of resistance came at a crucial time. Growing frustration over party leadership’s response to Trump’s policies has prompted critics to argue that Democrats have not done enough to vocalize their opposition.
California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, told the Los Angeles Times that his party’s brand had become “toxic.” Booker’s speech, widely shared across social media, is seen as a direct challenge to that perception.
For New Jersey residents, the speech carried even greater significance. New Jersey native Theo Silverman ‘26 reflected on its impact, “It’s empowering to see someone from my state break these barriers. His achievement shows that change is possible and can inspire future leaders of our state and maybe even the country.”
Junior Sarah Flynn, also a student from New Jersey, said, “I thought it was really inspirational, that he was trying to stand up against the Trump administration, especially since so many people aren’t.” She continued, “Someone from my own personal setting did something that will make it into history books.”
Flynn noted that parts of the speech were even shown in her American Studies class, highlighting a segment in which Booker encouraged young people to get involved in politics. “He’s not only trying to convince politicians around him, but he’s also trying to convince the broader community that they have a voice and that they can take a stand as well,” she said
Booker’s speech also resonated with Upper School English Teacher and Sophomore Dean Mariah Peña, another New Jersey resident.
She said, “I feel very proud, very emotional. My family helped campaign for him when he was running in 2020. We needed somebody to beat that record and really get up there and say something that was worthwhile.”
Booker himself acknowledged the symbolic significance of surpassing Thurmond’s record. “Strom Thurmond’s record always … just really irked me, that he would be the longest speech — that the longest speech on our great Senate floor was someone who was trying to stop people like me from being in the Senate,” said Booker in his interview with The Hill.
Peña mentioned how political histrionics have become an essential tool in modern politics. “I think right now we’re, unfortunately, living in a time where theatrics is a little bit of everything. Whether that’s just because of who’s been in office, or because of social media, I think it [theatrics] gets attention.”
Once a presidential candidate who struggled to break through in a crowded 2020 Democratic primary, Booker now finds himself in a different position as a leading voice in the fight against Trump’s policies. His 25-hour stand may be a turning point in the Democratic party’s rebranding, as tens of thousands tuned into Booker’s livestream on Tuesday afternoon while others gathered outside the Capitol in support. He called on Americans to combat injustice with both resistance and kindness.
“I know there are periods of time where I feel a little bit sad and think that the things I’m doing aren’t enough, and then I watch something like that, and I’m fired up,” Peña said.
