Senator Cory Booker broke a record with a 24-hour speech criticizing the Trump administration. Beginning at 7 PM on March 31, he continued past 7:20 PM the next day, surpassing a 1957 filibuster record. “I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” he declared.
Fifteen hours in, he assured, “I’ve got fuel in the tank, man.” His speech, which he called “America’s moral moment,” condemned Trump’s disregard for the Constitution, stating, “Our country is in crisis… not in a partisan sense.” He also criticized Elon Musk and Trump’s “oligarchy.”
Booker quoted songs, the Bible, and poetry while reading messages from people affected by Trump’s policies, including a Canadian woman detained for 12 days. Struggling with emotion, he continued without major breaks, only pausing for questions.
At the 24th hour, he honored civil rights leader John Lewis, stating, “John Lewis would say something, he would do something.” As he broke the record, he placed a hand over his heart, visibly moved.
Senate Democrats applauded him, with Chuck Schumer praising his “strength, fortitude, and clarity.” Over 60,000 viewers watched live on TikTok.
