Topics: Donald Trump, US News, News, Politics
Cory Brooker took anti-Trump to a whole new level this week, breaking a world record by delivering a speech about him for over one whole day.
The New Jersey senator and Democratic Party member held a marathon speech yesterday (1 Apr) on the Senate floor, the bulk of which explicitly protested against Trump's position as president.
Brooker also took aim at a number of policies the Republican leader has put into place since his inauguration in January.
The 55-year-old remained standing throughout the duration of his impassioned speech, which started at 7pm on Monday, lasted through the night, and the majority of the following day.
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Beforehand, Brooker had announced plans to discuss Trump's 'dangerous' administration, claiming he'd continue verbally fighting against the 'business of the United States Senate' for 'as long as I am physically able'.
"I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our nation is in crisis," he began.
"In just 71 days the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy and even our aspirations as a people for, from our highest offices, a sense of common decency.
"These are not normal times in America and they should not be treated as such. I can’t allow this body to continue without doing something.
"The threats to America’s democracy are grave and urgent."
The impressive lecture lasted a total of 25 hours and four minutes, wrapping up shortly after 8pm on Tuesday evening (2 Apr).
Brooker finished with a quote in tribute to the late Senator, Rep. John Lewis, encouraging: "Let's get in good trouble."
This broke the previous world record for the longest speech recorded in history, surpassing the work of segregationist Strom Thurmond - in 1957, he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act.
As well as Trump - the first ever convicted criminal to attain the position of president - the politician also took aim at his Department of Government Efficiency co-lead Elon Musk, and the policies they've put into place together in recent weeks.
Brooker slammed the pair's beliefs as showing a 'complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution and the needs of the American people'.
He discussed Trump's views on health care, social security, immigration, education, economics, foreign policy and freedom of speech in his lengthy declaration.
As well as inviting a number of fellow left-wing politicians to speak out, Brooker also read out readers that claimed to have received from outranged constituents and further US citizens.
"In just 71 days, the president has inflicted harm after harm on Americans' safety, financial stability, the foundations of our democracy and any sense of common decency," Brooker hit out.
"These are not normal times in our nation. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate."
Following his closing statements, the liberal leader was seen by attendees wiping away tears and placing his hand over his heart.
Visibly exhausted, he was subsequently met with mass applause from the crowd - many members of which rushed to hug him.
Neither Trump nor Musk have yet responded to Brooker's speech
