On the evening of October 21, 2025, Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, commenced a lengthy speech in the Senate as a demonstration against President Trump’s policies. The discourse began at 6:21 PM and extended overnight, highlighting a range of contentious issues.
Opposition to Trump Policies
Merkley criticized various actions taken by the Trump administration, including:
- Deportation efforts
- Canceled federal programs
- Weaponization of the Justice Department
- Deployment of the National Guard in American cities, particularly Portland
He described the current political climate as the most threatening to the republic since the Civil War, claiming, “President Trump is shredding our Constitution.” Senator Merkley sought to “ring the alarm bells” regarding these developments.
Engagement from Fellow Senators
During the night-long speech, senators including Andy Kim, Cory Booker, Dick Durbin, Maria Cantwell, Tina Smith, Ed Markey, and Chris Murphy posed questions to Merkley, allowing him brief pauses to regain his composure. This cooperative exchange underscored the urgency and significance of the issues brought forth.
Specific Focus on Portland
Portland has frequently been in the spotlight due to Trump’s criticism. Recently, the President directed the Defense Department to prepare for the deployment of National Guard troops to the area. A legal decision from a federal appeals court has permitted the federalization and potential deployment of Oregon National Guard members amid ongoing legal challenges.
Merkley expressed concern over Trump’s portrayal of Portland. He stated that the President aims to evoke chaos to justify authoritarian measures. Merkley emphasized that the residents of Portland are not contributing to the unrest as framed by Trump; instead, they seek to peacefully express their values through “demonstrating with joy and whimsy.”
Historical Context of Senate Speeches
Merkley’s extensive address reflects a tradition within the Senate of using prolonged speeches as a form of protest against executive actions. Earlier this year, Senator Booker delivered a record-setting speech lasting over 25 hours in opposition to similar policies. In 2017, Merkley himself spoke for more than 15 hours against the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
As the debate over Trump’s policies continues, figures like Senator Merkley are pushing back, emphasizing the importance of preserving democratic values and accountability within the government.
