Booker breaks record: 25 hours against Trump in the Senate!

Booker breaks record: 25 hours against Trump in the Senate!

On April 1, 2025, US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) caused a stir when he gave an incredible speech of more than 25 hours in the US Senate. This historical moment was a protest against President Donald Trump's agenda and broke the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes, set up by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. Booker's speech began at 7:00 p.m. (local time) and ended on April 2, 2025 after 25 hours and 5 minutes.

To keep through during this long speech, Booker waived food and fasted, which meanwhile plagued him with muscle cramps and spasms. He received support from his party colleagues, who asked him questions to give him short breaks. With the strong message that the current times should not be treated as normal, Booker vehemently criticized Trump's politics and their effects on security, financial stability and democracy. While the spectators applauded him and donated him standing ovation, the republican side of the plenary remained largely empty.

a record in the sign of resistance

Booker's speech was broadcast live on his YouTube channel and the number of spectators rose from initial 50,000 to over 110,000. Despite the impressive duration, his speech did not meet the criteria of a filibuster because it did not take place as part of a specific debate. It remains impressive that Booker did not use aids, as used in 1957 in 1957, and instead rely on his personal will.

The Filibuster has strongly influenced the work of the Senate in recent years and is considered one of the main obstacles for political reforms in the United States. According to the NZZ , the calls have been loud for a long time after the filibuster has been abolished, but so far no party has dared to take this step. Mitch McConnell, leader of the Republican Group, has raised the Filibuster blockade for political strategy.

for the future of democracy

The Democrats, who achieved control over the White House as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate on January 5, 2021, are faced with a very thin majority. These circumstances make it difficult to enforce reforms. The filibuster, which has existed since 1805 and was particularly changed by the introduction of "Rule 22" in 1917, requires a qualified majority of 60 senators and thus facilitates the blockade of legislation.

In his tenure, President Joe Biden also signed a variety of presidential orders to reverse the damage caused by Trump's politics. This applies in particular to topics such as climate and migration policy. According to Vol.at , Booker sees the current state of politics as urgently in need of action, especially in the context of the upcoming election campaigns and the associated challenges for the American democracy.