Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon has captured national attention with his marathon speech on the Senate floor, which has now entered its 16th hour. Merkley’s impassioned address aims to make the case that President Donald Trump is acting as an authoritarian, citing concerns about the deployment of the military in his home town of Portland. The 68-year-old senator began speaking around 6:20 pm on Tuesday evening and has continued with few interruptions into Wednesday morning, standing alongside placards that read “authoritarianism is here now!” and “Trump is violating the law.”
Merkley’s speech comes as the Senate is set to vote for the 12th time to reopen the government, with the shutdown becoming the second-longest funding lapse in U.S. history. The senator’s remarks have drawn both support and criticism, with some praising his dedication to speaking out against what he sees as threats to democracy, while others question the effectiveness of such a lengthy speech in a divided political climate.
In his address, Merkley has highlighted what he perceives as the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power in the executive branch. He has also raised concerns about the implications of Trump’s actions for the rule of law and the separation of powers. The senator’s marathon speech reflects growing tensions in Washington as lawmakers grapple with the ongoing government shutdown and broader questions about the state of American democracy.
While Merkley’s speech has garnered significant attention, it remains to be seen what impact, if any, it will have on the broader political landscape. As the senator continues to make his case on the Senate floor, the nation watches to see how his message resonates with his colleagues and the American public.
#NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI #GovernmentShutdown #DemocracyUnderThreat
References:
– Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-senator-rails-against-trump-admin-marathon-overnight-floor-speech
– CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/democratic-senator-gives-marathon-floor-speech-ahead-12th-vote-funding-bill/
– The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/22/senator-jeff-merkley-floor-speech-trump
Political Bias Index: Neutral (Green)
Social Commentary influenced the creation of this article.
🔗 Share or Link to This Page
Use the link below to share or embed this post:
