Senator Merkley Delivers 22-Hour Speech Against Trump’s Policies

Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon concluded an extensive speech lasting 22 hours and 39 minutes on Wednesday afternoon, passionately opposing what he termed “grave threats” posed by President Donald Trump. The senator began his address shortly before 18:30 on Tuesday and wrapped up at 17:00 on Wednesday, coinciding with the 22nd day of the ongoing government shutdown.

Merkley’s remarks focused heavily on several key issues, including Trump’s recent decision to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, the termination of numerous research grants to universities, and the indictments faced by prominent political adversaries of the president. He contended that these actions represent a significant threat to U.S. democracy.

Alarm Bells on the Senate Floor

Opening his speech, Merkley declared, “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.” His comments followed a ruling by an appeals court that allowed Trump to deploy the National Guard to Portland, reversing an earlier decision by a federal judge.

Merkley criticized the tactics used by federal law enforcement against protesters outside an immigration detention facility in Portland. He argued, “President Trump wants us to believe that Portland, Oregon, in my home state, is full of chaos and riots. Because if he can say to the American people that there are riots, he can say there’s a rebellion. And if there’s a rebellion, he can use that to strengthen his authoritarian grip on our nation.”

Throughout his lengthy address, Merkley was intermittently joined by Democratic colleagues who posed lengthy questions to alleviate the burden of his speech. He also utilized various placards, one of which featured three alarm bell emojis and proclaimed, “Authoritarianism Is Here Now!”

Context of the Government Shutdown

Merkley’s marathon speech came less than seven months after Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered the longest floor address in Senate history, which lasted 25 hours and five minutes. The backdrop of Merkley’s remarks is the ongoing government shutdown, with both parties showing limited willingness to negotiate. Democrats have been advocating for the extension of enhanced health care tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year, which, if not extended, could result in significant premium increases.

On the other hand, Republicans have maintained that discussions on health care cannot commence until the government is reopened. The Senate is preparing for a 12th vote on a continuing resolution passed by the House, although expectations are low for its success. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York declared that his caucus remains “resolute” in opposing the stopgap bill and is holding out for an extension.

The implications of Merkley’s speech and the ongoing government shutdown highlight the deepening partisan divide in U.S. politics, with urgent consequences for both policy and governance.