Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has broken the record for the longest continuous speech in U.S. Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes. This surpasses the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes held by Senator Strom Thurmond since 1957.
Booker began his speech at 7:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025, during deliberations over the nomination of Matthew Whitaker as ambassador to NATO. He dedicated the speech to the late civil rights activist and Representative John Lewis, stating his intent to “disrupt the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as [he was] physically able.”
Throughout his address, Booker strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, disregard judicial mandates, and deport participants of the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses. He also condemned actions by Trump’s advisor, Elon Musk, accusing them of showing “a complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the needs of the American people.”
To maintain his stamina during the marathon speech, Booker refrained from consuming significant amounts of water, a tactic previously used by other senators during lengthy speeches. He also read letters from constituents and articles from various sources to fill the time.
Booker’s historic speech has drawn national attention, highlighting the deep divisions and tensions within the current political landscape. His actions underscore the lengths to which some lawmakers are willing to go to voice their opposition and draw attention to issues they believe are critical to the nation.
