In a history-making, 25-hour and five-minute speech, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) not only spoke out against the second Trump administration, but bravely stood up for equity and justice, offering a beacon of light at a time of darkness for many Americans.
The New Jersey senator spoke continuously about the harmful effects of both the domestic and international agendas of the Trump administration. In doing so, he set a new record for the longest floor speech, previously held by the staunch segregationist former Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC), who opposed the Civil Rights Act in 1957.
While Booker only surpassed Thurmond’s record by less than an hour, everything about his actions are in direct contrast to the late racist senator.
First, Thurmond took liberties such as sitting at times, having his staff bring snacks and setting up a bucket in the cloakroom for him to urinate while keeping a foot on the senate floor, Booker stayed on his feet without taking bathroom or meal breaks.
Nonetheless, more than six decades later, there’s an even further difference in the senators’ addresses. Booker’s speech for justice is the polar opposite of Thurmond’s filibuster, which was used in order to continue promoting hatred and racism in the United States.
Despite years of progress since 1957, the second Trump administration— in less than 90 days— has reversed decades of forward momentum. Through executive orders and with the help of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, Trump has eliminated federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, erased and amended Black history from government websites and institutions, and attacked “wokeness” or anything challenging the foundations of white supremacy.
Further, with his tariffs, Trump has threatened international affairs and relationships and ushered in an economic crisis.
Despite GOP leaders and MAGA supporters touting Trump’s actions, a recent survey by the Wall Street Journal reveals that 54% of voters disapprove of Trump’s tariff strategy, while three-quarters anticipate that tariffs will lead to price increases on the goods they purchase.
Additionally, the foundations of such programs, such as Social Security on Medicaid, are also under attack.
Yet, in the first genuine moment of hope, clarity, and direction since former Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat in November 2024, Booker provided Democrats and Americans experiencing despair and hopelessness a reason to feel inspired and optimistic.
However, while Booker was not afforded any bathroom breaks, food or beverages like Thurmond, he was armed with forces more powerful than nourishment or rest. He had the support of the cloud of witnesses— pulling from the work, lives and legacy of the great civil rights and political leaders before him.
“I rise tonight because silence at this moment of national crisis would be a betrayal of some of the greatest heroes of our nation,” Booker said starting his speech, invoking the name of the late freedom fighter and Democratic political leader Rep. John Lewis, who famously encouraged “good trouble.”
Wiping away tears, Booker, 25 hours and five minutes later, ended his speech, again, referencing the late congressman.
“The power of the people is greater than the people in power. It is time to heed the words of the man I began this whole thing with, John Lewis,” he declared. “I beg folks to take his example, his early days, where he made himself determined to show his love for his country at a time that the country did not love him.”
From the Senate floor he emphasized that the nation’s current challenges are beyond partisan politics.
”This is a moral moment; it’s not right or left,” he said. It’s right or wrong.”
Concluding his speech with Lewis’ words, Booker offered the nation a call to action—one which we must all answer during these uncertain times: “Let’s get in good trouble.”
