U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) speaks on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Senator Cory Booker Delivers Record-Breaking Speech Criticizing Trump Administration
Historic Speech Sets New Record
Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivered a marathon speech on the Senate floor, breaking a nearly seven-decade record for the longest continuous address. The 55-year-old New Jersey lawmaker began his speech at 7 p.m. ET on Monday and spoke for 25 hours and five minutes, surpassing the previous record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957.
Booker used his time to critique President Donald Trump and his senior adviser, Elon Musk, for their efforts to significantly reduce the size of the federal government. He accused the administration of “recklessly and unconstitutionally” attacking democratic institutions.
Criticism of Trump Administration Policies
Throughout his speech, Booker expressed concerns over the Trump administration’s moves to eliminate entire government departments, including the Department of Education, and to withhold congressionally approved spending. He also criticized the administration’s questioning of federal courts’ authority to review its policies.
Booker, who was first elected to the Senate in 2013, echoed sentiments from civil rights leader John Lewis, referencing the concept of getting into “good trouble” by opposing policies he believes undermine democracy.
A Record-Breaking Moment
The previous record for the longest Senate speech was held by Senator Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in an unsuccessful attempt to block civil rights legislation in 1957. Unlike Thurmond’s speech, which was a filibuster aimed at delaying specific legislation, Booker’s speech was not a procedural delay tactic but rather a platform to voice concerns over the Trump administration’s policies.
During the speech, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer paused to acknowledge the historic moment. “Do you know you have broken the record?” Schumer asked. Booker, visibly moved, responded, “I know now,” before continuing.
Response from the White House
The White House dismissed Booker’s extended remarks. Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields stated, “Cory Booker is looking for another ‘I am Spartacus’ moment, but that didn’t work for his failed presidential campaign, and it didn’t work to block President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.”
Booker, a former mayor of Newark, New Jersey, had previously run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. His campaign ended before the primaries, and Trump ultimately lost that election to Joe Biden.
Democratic Frustration and Voter Concerns
Booker acknowledged the growing frustration among Democratic voters, who have become increasingly vocal in their concerns about Trump’s policies. He noted that some of this frustration has been directed at Democratic leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for not being more aggressive in challenging the administration.
“I was challenged by my own constituents to do something different, challenged by my own constituents to do something, challenged by my own constituents to take risks,” Booker said about 24 hours into his speech.
The Role of Elon Musk and Government Restructuring
A major focus of Booker’s criticism was Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Musk, as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has been a key figure in implementing Trump’s budgetary and restructuring policies. Booker warned that these measures could lead to economic instability and an erosion of democratic norms.
“The Trump-Vance administration continues to plunge us into chaos,” Booker said, referring to Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. “Trump’s trade war on our allies will only increase costs and fears for American families.”
Conclusion of the Speech
As Booker approached the final hours of his speech, most Democratic senators gathered in the chamber, while Republican seats remained largely empty. He used his concluding moments to call on Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty to check executive power.
“For all Americans, it’s a moral moment. It’s not left or right. It’s right or wrong,” Booker stated, his voice breaking with emotion. Finally, after more than a full day of speaking, he yielded the floor.
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