May 13, 2025
By Isabella Bartlett
Managing Editor
In a historic display of endurance, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker protested the Trump administration in what became the longest speech in Senate history, starting on March 31 at 7 p.m. and ending 25 hours, 5 minutes later at 8:05 p.m. on April 1.
Booker dedicated his marathon speech to John Lewis, a civil rights activist and member of the House of Representatives for Georgia’s Fifth congressional district, who died on July 17, 2020. Booker initiated his speech with a pledge to disrupt “the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able” in honor of Lewis.
Freshman Nicholas Brennen, who is enrolled in World History Honors, said even though he only watched clips of Booker’s speech online, he was captivated by Booker’s bravery and insights.
“I was shocked to see his dedication and will to defend his beliefs, but I was also thrilled to see what powerful things he was going to say,” Brennen said.
Booker did not take any bathroom breaks, only resting his voice when other Democratic senators asked lengthy questions.
“In a healthy democracy, people from every side of the debate and on every side of the issues should be making their voices heard so that we can have a republic where there is debate about issues.”
Brennen said Booker’s speech reflects his commitment to reform.
“Protests like Senator Booker’s show that no matter how far gone a nation might seem, there are always those who are willing to rise up and defend the greater ideas of that nation,” Brennen said.
Booker spoke about the administration’s proposal to cut Social Security and Medicare, sharing testimonials from people affected by these policies.
He also read testimonials from those concerned about unconstitutional deportation due to the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
Brennen said by reading residents’ concerns aloud, Booker connected with his audience.
“This highlighted American residents’ strength to speak out and Senator Booker’s willingness to defend them,” Brennen said.
History teacher Mr. Duus said he appreciates Booker’s efforts to express concerns that are relevant to his constituents.
“In a healthy democracy, people from every side of the debate and on every side of the issues should be making their voices heard so that we can have a republic where there is debate about issues,” Duus said.
He said a memorable part of the speech was when Booker explained that he is the descendant of slaves and slave owners. Duus said Booker’s heritage and position as a senator reflect how American politics has become more inclusive.
“The Black community has been incredibly successful at organizing to obtain its rights and, once they are obtained, to enjoy them. In this case, the rights [are] of political representation as a senator from New Jersey,” Duus said.
He said he admires Booker for not reading family recipes or children’s stories, which are common filibuster tactics to waste time on the floor.
He said Booker’s commitment to his arguments played into the dramatic aspect of politics.
“Theater is a key part of politics, so doing something like speaking for the longest time in the history of the Senate, that’s theater,” Duus said. “Whatever you think of him, it definitely gets attention.”
Before Booker, former South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond held the record for the longest Senate speech. Thurmond spoke for 24 hours, 18 minutes to protest the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Senior Izabel Graziani, who took Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics last year, said Booker surpassing Thurmond’s record highlights American political progress.
“Booker’s entire speech attacked biased policies and officials, such as those under Trump’s administration,” Graziani said. “Protests like Booker’s show the effectiveness of the Senate when they [choose] to use their power for the better good of the country.”
Graziani said she agrees with Booker’s critiques of tech mogul Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, and the power of billionaires in politics.
“Booker emphasized that Musk is an unelected official who has rampaged through [the] government by firing his colleagues and has received no consequences for his threats and actions,” Graziani said. “Not enough people in Congress dare to criticize Musk when he has already caused so much destruction.”
Graziani said Booker’s speech was impactful because it demanded that the government recognize the public’s concerns. She said actions like Booker’s foster global progress.
“Protests are and will continue to be the driving force of change because they demand people use their position to stop the immoral forces within our government,” said Graziani.
