From Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. until Tuesday, April 1, at 8:05 p.m., New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker delivered a marathon speech lasting 25 hours and five minutes to protest the Trump administration’s sweeping policy changes.
As he stepped up to the podium with his binder in hand, Booker — the first African American to serve as a United States (U.S.) senator for New Jersey — stated that he would remain on the Senate floor “as long as I am physically able,” describing the act as “a moral moment” in the country’s history.
“It’s not left or right. It’s right and wrong. It’s about getting into ‘good trouble,'” Booker concluded, referencing the late Civil Rights Movement leader and congressman John Lewis at the end of his speech.
Booker received over 14,000 messages from constituents and spoke extensively about President Trump’s policies, such as the use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations, funding cuts to critical federal and state assistance programs and recent layoffs at Social Security offices initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His speech broke the previous record held by Strom Thurmond, a senator from South Carolina, who filibustered the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1957 by speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes. However, Booker’s speech was not a filibuster because he was not attempting to delay the Senate’s passage of a bill or confirmation of a nominee.
Instead, it served as a symbolic protest against President Trump’s policies. Many Americans, especially young people, have been looking for assertive action from Democratic representatives, who are often criticized for not sufficiently opposing the Trump administration.
Frustration erupted within the Democratic Party last month when 10 Democratic senators voted with Republicans to advance Trump’s spending bill, which proposed redirecting funds away from essential policy priorities, such as health care and housing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer defended this decision by arguing that it was necessary to prevent a government shutdown, which would have been worse than approving Trump’s spending bill. However, this decision angered House Democrats, who had initially voted unanimously against the bill.
This spending vote exemplifies the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party to strategize effectively and create a meaningful movement to oppose the Trump administration. While a government shutdown would have had serious repercussions, the Republicans have often maintained a united front against critical bills proposed by recent Democratic presidents.
Additionally, as a center-left Democrat who voted for four of Trump’s nominees for executive positions in his second term, Senator Booker’s speech is a refreshing change. Up until now, the primary figures opposing the president have been more left-leaning voices like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders — both of whom are currently on a “Fighting the Oligarchy Tour,” which has drawn thousands of supporters nationwide.
Booker’s decision to openly oppose Trump should inspire and encourage other center-left Democratic lawmakers and influential leaders — including California representatives and university administrators — to follow suit.
California is frequently seen as a leading state of “resistance” against the Trump administration in various policy areas, including education, immigration, climate change and healthcare. However, numerous politicians and leaders have faltered in living up to this reputation, yielding to pressure from the federal administration.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, an outspoken critic of President Trump, recently interviewed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom.” Newsom uncritically praised Kirk in the interview, stating that his 13-year-old son is a “huge fan.” In a rather uncomfortable discussion, the governor also engaged in frivolous debates about whether higher education is worthwhile (spoiler alert: it is). Following this episode, he interviewed other conservative former Trump administration officials, including Michael Savage, Steve Bannon and Anthony Scaramucci.
It’s clear that Newsom is positioning himself for a run in the 2028 presidential race. However, his focus should remain on his current role — serving the people of California — rather than pursuing political ambitions by cozying up to the far right. There may not be a functioning American democracy or political institutions by 2028 if influential leaders like Newsom do not actively protect them.
While disappointing, Newsom’s ambition is predictable. Even more troubling are the recent decisions by the University of California (UC) system, which have succumbed to federal pressure by banning diversity statements in hiring practices. Recent actions by the UC have not addressed critical issues affecting vulnerable students, including threats to immigration status.
Recently, four student visas at UC Berkeley — one of the campuses currently under investigation by the Trump administration for “anti-Semitism” — were terminated. Other UC campuses, including those of Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine and Davis, have also reported dozens of revocations of international student visas.
As higher education faces funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and efforts to ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, the UC administration should prioritize standing up against Trump’s extreme policies while protecting students, faculty and staff. Students are actively organizing, protesting and even risking their safety to fight these policies. It’s time for university leadership to show the same commitment to protecting their campuses and the future of higher education.
Now is the time for boldness and courage, not passivity. The recent election demonstrated that Democrats are often out of touch with working-class Americans. This is their chance to reconnect with their coalition and push back against a progressively authoritarian government. Booker’s speech will only hold significance if his colleagues and other leaders in sectors under attack from the Trump administration also step up and take a stand.
