A U.S. senator recently made history by delivering the longest speech ever given in Congress. Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, spoke for over 25 hours straight in the Senate.
He began his speech on a Monday evening and finished the next day, standing at the lectern the entire time without taking a break, not even for the bathroom.
Booker used the opportunity to criticise former President Donald Trump and his policies. He took advantage of a Senate rule that allows senators to speak as long as they want without any time limit.
During his marathon speech, Booker highlighted what he saw as the negative effects of Trump’s presidency, including rising prices, a falling stock market, and low consumer confidence. He also pointed out that Trump had failed to deliver on his promise to lower prices and instead had raised tariffs, which made things even more expensive.
Booker mentioned how Trump’s actions had harmed trade relationships with countries like Canada.
Throughout his speech, Booker was joined by other Democrats, who asked him questions to give him a chance to rest. Booker also made sure to bring attention to historical issues of civil rights. He spoke about the legacy of Senator Strom Thurmond, who had once held the record for the longest speech in Congress in 1957.
Live from the Senate floor. https://t.co/ZQaixCC8AF
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 1, 2025
Thurmond gave a speech lasting 24 hours and 18 minutes in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act, a law that eventually guaranteed voting rights for African Americans. Booker pointed out that Thurmond had been a Democrat at the time, before switching to the Republican Party later on. Booker emphasized that, despite Thurmond’s efforts, the people of America were stronger, and they made history by passing the Civil Rights Act.
Booker also quoted civil rights leader John Lewis, urging Americans to get into “good trouble” to help improve the country. He said his goal was not just to oppose Trump, but to stand up for what he believed was right for the future of America.
The 55-year-old politician had been a football star at Stanford. He also has a Rhodes Scholarship, a law degree from Yale, and a master’s degree from Oxford.
