Senator Jeff Merkley has delivered an extensive speech on the Senate floor, lasting over 12 hours, to protest President Donald Trump’s “grave threats to democracy.” His address commenced on Tuesday at 6:24 p.m. ET and continued into Wednesday morning.
Merkley’s Alarm on Democracy
Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, emphasized the current situation as one of the most significant threats to the republic since the Civil War. He voiced strong concerns about President Trump’s actions, stating, “President Trump is shredding our Constitution.”
Context of the Speech
This marathon speech symbolizes Democratic resistance amid ongoing standoffs with Republicans regarding health care subsidies and a prolonged government shutdown. The shutdown is anticipated to continue into its fourth week as resolve among Democrats remains firm. They have blocked Republican attempts to reopen the government 11 times to ensure their demands are met.
Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Merkley pointed out several alarming actions from the Trump administration, including:
- Halting research grants for universities in a crackdown on campus oversight.
- Indictments against the president’s political opponents.
- Plans to deploy National Guard troops to Portland.
The Situation in Portland
Merkley specifically criticized the portrayal of Portland as chaotic, arguing that Trump’s narrative serves to justify an authoritarian grip on the nation. He stated, “If he can say there are riots, he can claim there’s a rebellion, which he can exploit.”
Moreover, he condemned law enforcement tactics against peaceful protesters outside an immigration detention facility in Portland and other cities facing heightened immigration enforcement.
The Dangerous Moment
Merkley conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the current political climate, asserting, “This is an extraordinarily dangerous moment.” He accused Trump of attacking free speech and the press, weaponizing the Department of Justice against dissenters, and seeking court approval to deploy military forces against peaceful demonstrators.
Historical Context of Senate Speeches
This is not the first time Merkley has engaged in an extensive Senate speech. He previously spoke for over 15 hours in 2017 against Neil Gorsuch’s Supreme Court nomination. Earlier this year, Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey delivered a record-breaking speech lasting 25 hours and 5 minutes, warning against the administration’s detrimental impact on the American public.
Across recent years, other senators have also participated in marathon speeches, including:
- Chris Murphy on gun control in 2016.
- Rand Paul over NSA surveillance in 2015.
- Ted Cruz against the Affordable Care Act in 2013.
This ongoing situation remains dynamic, with developments expected as the standoff continues.
