Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., has delivered an unprecedented 15.5-hour marathon speech on the Senate floor, condemning President Donald Trump’s alleged threats to democracy and expanding executive power. The speech, which began on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, includes accusations of government overreach, faked protests, and the use of force against protesters. Merkley’s speech echoes past Democratic efforts against Supreme Court nominations, positioning Trump’s actions as a continuation of a pattern of ‘stealing’ power from the opposition.
The White House and some Republicans have dismissively characterized the speech as a political stunt with no real impact on the ongoing government shutdown. Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson called the speech ‘a useless overnight floor speech that no one watched,’ arguing that it does nothing to help the millions of Americans affected by the government shutdown. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Merkley, calling the speech a stand for the American people. Other Democrats, including Sens. Andy Kim, Tina Smith, and Chris Van Hollen, also endorsed the senator’s efforts.
Republicans have criticized the speech as performative and ineffective. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., mocked the Democrats for forcing Capitol Police and support staff to work all night so they can give speeches. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the speech ‘performance art’ and ‘a meaningless gesture,’ stating that it has no effect on the functioning of the Senate or resolving the shutdown.
Merkley’s speech includes specific allegations against Trump and his administration, including claims of fabricating a riot outside an ICE facility in Portland, Ore., to expand government power. He also highlighted a case where a protester was hit with pepper spray during an anti-ICE protest, despite having complied with ICE agents’ instructions to move away. Merkley has a history of marathon speeches, including a 15-hour and 28-minute address in 2017 against Neil Gorsuch’s Supreme Court nomination, which he called a ‘stolen’ seat from the previous administration.
As Merkley broke his 2017 record, the U.S. government continued its 22nd day of shutdown, which has been the longest in modern history. The previous record-holding shutdown lasted 35 days during Trump’s first term and ended in January 2019. Merkley’s continued protest highlights the deepening political divide over the government shutdown and the executive’s perceived overreach, as well as the broader tensions between the two parties over the role of Congress and the presidency.