On March 31, 2025, U.S Senator Cory Booker, a democrat, spoke in an attempt to challenge the current President, Donald Trump. The reasoning for the filibuster was so that there would be no control of either chamber of Congress.
A filibuster is “a political procedure in which one or more members of a legislative body prolong debate on proposed legislation so as to delay or entirely prevent a decision.” Simply, it is an attempt to get their perspective out onto the people.
Booker began speaking on March 31, at 7 p.m. and ended on April 1, at 8:05 p.m., surpassing the previous longest record of a filibuster with a 25 hours and five minutes long speech, aside from occasional questions.
Booker was not holding the floor on a specific bill, but instead used his speech to focus the debate on Trump.
The reasoning behind this whole speech is because Booker believes that democrats are continually and currently losing to Trump, and he wishes to call out their lack of ability to put a stop on Trump’s constant executive orders.
Booker’s speech has become more impactful to the American people since the previous record holding senator filibustered on a bill to end segregation.
The overran interpretation of Booker’s speech has been about how “Trump is controlling the narrative and the media environment. And the Democratic leadership has been unable to counter it, even though, at the grassroots level, Democrats and many others who voted for Trump are really angry.” according to The Conversation.
Furthermore, the idea is supported by Booker’s speech, as he spoke “Moments like this require us to be more creative or more imaginative, or just persistent and dogged and determined.” Trying hard to pass on the idea that now, more than ever, democrats must fight against Trump’s constant policies and executive actions.
It is important to acknowledge the other senators that were included in the record breaking filibuster allowing Booker to take breaks.
Over ten senators participated in the filibuster. This work of all senators together allowed the American populace to be able to understand the reasons that Booker and his fellow senators began to filibuster against Trump and his current political agenda.
The filibuster concluded once Booker surrendered the floor, leading to applause at the record-breaking triumph that was just seen on the congressional floor.
“I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful.” said Booker during an interview just minutes after the end of his filibuster.
The filibuster made its way to social media, with many tuning into the live-stream provided by the senator in order to cheer him on and encourage others to join the cause.
Many were happy with the speech delivered by the senator, applauding his stances and encouraging others to encourage their senators to do the same. The senator a few days after his speech thanked everyone who cheered for him through an interview clip he posted to his social media.
This filibuster, along with the senator, will be remembered throughout history, not only for his triumphant ability to hold a twenty-five hour speech, but also the passion that is evidently still alive in the American public.