Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is speaking for as long as he is “physically able” to on the Senate floor Monday evening in protest of the Trump Administration.
Why It Matters
As President Donald Trump has taken office amid his second term, he has made sweeping change with executive orders and by implementing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump tasked DOGE to be headed up by billionaire Elon Musk to cut waste, fraud and abuse from the federal government. DOGE and Musk have been hit with backlash amid their drastic cuts to the budget, including dismantling agencies and firing thousands of federal workers.
What To Know
Booker announced his plan earlier in the evening on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “I’m heading to the Senate floor because Donald Trump and Elon Musk have shown a complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the needs of the American people. You can tune in on CSPAN, YouTube, X, and Facebook.”
Once recognized on the Senate floor, the lawmaker said in part, “Tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble, I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.”
Booker continued, adding, “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.”
Speaking on the Senate floor, Booker discussed Medicaid and Medicare services while repeating Democratic claims that the Trump administration will cut the programs.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also spoke alongside Booker about the programs on the floor, saying potential cuts would hurt the middle class.
When reached for comment, Booker’s office pointed Newsweek to the press release about the Senator’s speech on the floor.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey can be seen on the Seante floor speaking March 31, 2025. (Photo taken from CSPAN) Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey can be seen on the Seante floor speaking March 31, 2025. (Photo taken from CSPAN)
What People Are Saying
Democratic Senator Mark Warner or Virginia on X on Monday: “My friend Cory is standing up against this administration’s chaos with fortitude and clarity. Follow along as he exposes the real harms this administration has done to working families in an all-night speech.”
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut on X on Monday: “In 2016 during my filibuster to demand progress on gun safety, @CoryBooker stayed on the floor with me for all 15 hours. An hour ago he just began his own filibuster to protest Trump’s lawlessness and corruption. I’m returning the favor. Here on the floor with him all night.”
Senator Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, on X on Monday: “I love my friend @SenBooker. Speaking on the Senate floor as long as he is able to tell the stories of the damage being done to Americans by Donald Trump and his Administration.”
What Happens Next
It is immediately unknown when Senator Booker will stop speaking, but it is believed to be well into the night.
Update 3/31/25 9:21 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
