Is Cory Booker Still Speaking? How Long His Filibuster Lasted

Senator Cory Booker Holds All-Night Filibuster Against Trump Administration Policies

In a dramatic move on March 31, 2025, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, staged an overnight filibuster to protest the policies of Donald Trump‘s administration. Beginning his extended speech in the Senate chamber around 7 p.m. ET, Senator Booker continued speaking through the entire night and into the following morning. This action raises questions about the current status of Senator Booker’s address and the purpose behind this political maneuver.

Below are the latest updates on Senator Booker’s filibuster, providing further context and details about this significant political event.

Understanding the Filibuster: Definition and Purpose

A filibuster is a procedural tactic employed in legislative bodies, such as the U.S. Senate, where a lawmaker engages in prolonged speech or debate. The primary objective of a filibuster is to obstruct or delay the progress of a particular piece of legislation. This can include preventing the passage of a bill, resolution, amendment, or even a vote.

Historical Context: The Longest Filibuster in U.S. History

The record for the longest filibuster in American political history is held by Strom Thurmond. In 1957, Senator Thurmond spoke for an টানা 24 hours and 18 minutes. His lengthy address was a demonstration of opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Booker’s Filibuster: Duration and Key Points

As of the time of this report, Senator Booker has been speaking for over 13 hours, according to reports from The Guardian. Reaching the 13-hour mark, Booker sharpened his rhetoric, accusing the Trump administration of prioritizing “profits over people.” This statement highlights the core of his protest and the issues he seeks to address through his filibuster.

“They are attempting to dismantle vital programs like Medicaid and Medicare, programs essential to nearly a third of our nation — all to finance tax reductions for billionaires and corporations,” Senator Booker asserted, emphasizing the financial implications of the administration’s policies.

Senator Booker’s Protest: Reasons and Objectives

Senator Booker initiated this lengthy speech as a form of protest against President Trump’s agenda. At the outset of his address, the Democratic senator declared his intention to “disrupt the normal operations of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.” He articulated that his action stemmed from a deep conviction that “our nation is in crisis.” This strong statement establishes the gravity of his concerns and the urgency behind his filibuster.

The senator further elaborated on his concerns, specifically referencing recent governmental shifts under the Trump administration. Booker pointed to various instances of layoffs and program terminations as evidence of detrimental changes impacting the nation.

“In a mere 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted considerable damage on the safety of Americans, their financial security, the fundamental principles of our democracy, and even our collective aspirations for common decency from our highest offices,” Booker stated during his Senate address. “These are not typical times in America, and we must not treat them as such,” he concluded, underscoring the extraordinary nature of his protest and the political climate.