In one of the longest Senate speeches in modern U.S. history, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon spoke for 22 hours and 37 minutes to protest President Donald Trump’s policies. Beginning at 6:21 p.m. Tuesday and concluding at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday, the 68-year-old Democrat framed his remarks as a warning about what he described as an “erosion of democracy” under the Trump administration.
“I’ve come to the Senate floor tonight to ring the alarm bells,” Merkley declared in his opening statement. “We’re in the most perilous moment — the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War. President Trump is shredding our Constitution.”
The extended address, the fourth-longest in the Senate since 1900, drew participation from several Democratic senators who posed extended questions to allow Merkley brief pauses. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer later praised Merkley’s persistence, commending his “fortitude” and his “spotlight on the erosion of democracy under Trump.”
Jeff Merkley Protest Rooted in Portland Tensions and National Policy Disputes
Jeff Merkley’s speech focused heavily on Portland, Oregon — a frequent target of President Trump’s criticism — where recent federal actions have reignited debate over state sovereignty and federal authority. The president recently authorized the deployment of the National Guard to the city after a federal appeals court cleared the way for the move.
“President Trump wants us to believe that Portland is full of chaos and riots,” Jeff Merkley argued. “If he can convince Americans there’s rebellion, he can justify tightening his authoritarian grip.” He insisted that Portlanders were responding peacefully, with “joy and whimsy,” and accused the administration of exaggerating unrest to stoke fear.
The senator Merkley also condemned what he called the “weaponization” of federal agencies and criticized Trump’s deportation policies and rollback of federal programs. Merkley framed these actions as part of a broader attempt to “centralize power and weaken democratic institutions.”
Political Reactions Amid a Prolonged Government Shutdown
The marathon speech came as the federal government entered its fourth week of shutdown, deepening tensions between Democrats and Republicans over spending priorities. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming dismissed Merkley’s protest as performative, accusing Democrats of prolonging the shutdown at the expense of federal workers.
“The Democrats are making Capitol Police and support staff — who they refuse to pay — work all night so they can give speeches patting themselves on the back,” Barrasso wrote on X.
Jeff Merkley concluded his remarks by thanking Senate staff and Capitol Police who remained on duty throughout his speech. “I’ve been on the Senate floor to ring the alarm bells for a long time,” he said, pledging to continue speaking out against what he described as threats to constitutional governance.
His effort follows a 25-hour address earlier this year by Senator Cory Booker, who also protested Trump administration policies. Merkley, known for his 15-hour speech opposing Justice Neil Gorsuch’s nomination in 2017, once again underscored his willingness to use the Senate floor to rally opposition.
