Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) delivered an extensive overnight speech on the Senate floor, expressing fierce opposition to President Donald Trump. At the center of his remarks was a claim that the president poses “grave threats to democracy.” By 6:00 a.m. AT on Wednesday, the senator had been speaking for nearly 12 hours, insisting that “we cannot pretend this is normal.”
Merkley accused Trump of leading the nation toward authoritarianism. He emphasized the urgency of his protest by posting on X about his intentions. “I’m holding the Senate floor to protest Trump’s grave threats to democracy,” he said. This was not just a dramatic display; it was a call to attention regarding issues he believes are critical to the fabric of American governance.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised Merkley, acknowledging his dedication to protecting the American populace. Other Democrats echoed this support, including Sens. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Their acknowledgment highlights a shared concern among Democrats regarding Trump’s policies and actions.
During his extended address, Merkley accused Trump of attempting to dismantle a government meant to serve the people, replacing it with one that caters to the powerful. “Trump’s plan is to replace the government by and for the people with government by and for the powerful,” he stated.
Merkley did not limit his critique to Trump alone; he also took aim at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He described a controversial incident involving a protester outside an ICE facility in Portland, Ore. According to Merkley, the woman complied with requests to move away from ICE agents but was still subjected to pepper spray. This account was part of his broader argument about the misuse of power by federal agents to suppress dissent.
This was not the first time Merkley has engaged in lengthy oratory in the Senate. He previously conducted a marathon speech lasting 15 hours and 28 minutes in a successful attempt to block the confirmation of now-Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. His commitment to his causes has established him as a prominent voice within the Democratic Party.
Merkley’s speech signifies not merely a condemnation of the president but a call to legislative action and moral clarity in the face of what he perceives as a growing threat to American democracy. While the situation continues to develop, his commitment to advocating for change through prolonged public discourse aligns with a broader tradition of political accountability.
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