Diyar Guldogan
22 October 2025•Update: 23 October 2025
WASHINGTON
US Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley on Wednesday wrapped up a marathon speech on the Senate floor after speaking for more than 22 hours to protest President Donald Trump’s presidency amid a government shutdown.
Merkley began speaking at 6.21 pm (2221GMT) Tuesday, standing next to a sign that said: "Ring the alarm bells: Authoritarianism is here now."
"Mr. President, I've come to the Senate floor tonight to ring the alarm bells. We're in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War. President Trump is shredding our Constitution," he said in his opening remarks.
His speech delayed the Senate's plans to vote on a House-passed funding bill to reopen the federal government, marking the 12th attempt to end the shutdown.
Senators applauded as Merkley yielded the floor.
In April, Sen. Cory Booker broke a 68-year record with the longest speech in Senate history, speaking for over 25 hours to protest Trump’s policies.
Several Democratic caucus members have expressed support for Merkley on social media.
After Merkley's speech, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed "the profound gratitude of all of us for his amazing tour de force over these many hours."
"No one has done it with more effectiveness than Jeff Merkley. Not only this Senate, but much more importantly, all of America owes you a tremendous, tremendous debt. Thank you," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso slammed Merkley’s speech, saying: "It was 22 hours of what I can only describe as rubbish."
Merkley's speech follows after people gathered nationwide Saturday for “No Kings” rallies, voicing opposition to Trump, his policies and his administration.
