US Democratic Senator Booker breaks Senate record with 24-hour speech against Trump
Washington: Democratic US Senator Cory Booker has broken the record for the longest speech in Senate history, speaking for over 24 hours in a protest against President Donald Trump's "unconstitutional" actions.
Booker, 55, began speaking late Monday and continued past Tuesday evening, surpassing the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. The New Jersey senator, only the fourth Black person popularly elected to the Senate, remained standing throughout, as Senate rules required him to forgo bathroom breaks.
His prolonged speech evoked comparisons to the 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in which a senator fights corruption through a dramatic filibuster.
"We are in this moral moment now," Booker declared. "This is not right or left. Don’t let them say this is partisanship. It is not left or right. It is right or wrong. America, this is a moral moment."
Maintaining a strong voice throughout, Booker also injected humour into his speech. "I want to go a little bit past this and then I'm going to deal with some of the biological urgencies I'm feeling," he joked.
Challenge to Trump's policies
While not a formal filibuster, as no vote was being blocked, Booker's speech became a rallying point for Democrats opposing Trump’s policies. He condemned the president’s aggressive executive actions and cost-cutting measures, which included advisor Elon Musk overseeing major programme cuts without congressional approval.
"Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds," Booker said. "Institutions which are special in America, which are precious and which are unique in our country, are being recklessly – and I would say even unconstitutionally – affected, attacked, even shattered."
"In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans' safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy," he added.
Support from Democratic colleagues
Booker's marathon speech was praised by fellow Democrats, who have struggled to counter Trump's policies in a Republican-controlled Senate and House.
"I just want to thank you for holding vigil for this country all night," Senator Raphael Warnock told Booker.
Booker’s speech was not solely political. To sustain his endurance, he recited poetry, discussed sports, and responded to questions from colleagues.
"If you love your neighbour, if you love this country, show your love. Stop them from doing what they're trying to (do)," he urged.
Although Democrats have not used procedural delays against Trump until now, Booker’s move signalled a new phase of resistance. The Senate Press Gallery posted on X early Tuesday: "Next vote: TBA", leaving uncertainty about the chamber’s next steps.
With AFP inputs