In a powerful overnight demonstration, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon commanded the Senate floor for over 16 hours, launching an urgent protest against President Donald Trump’s perceived authoritarianism and emphasizing the critical threats to American democracy.
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, concluded a marathon speech on the Senate floor that began the previous evening. Speaking for over 16 hours, Merkley used the platform to issue a dire warning against what he termed President Donald Trump’s “authoritarian actions” and the erosion of democratic institutions. His impassioned protest, which saw him declare that “tyranny has already arrived,” resonated with deep historical concerns about the future of the American republic.
The Call to Alarm: Merkley’s Core Message
Senator Merkley’s speech, which commenced just before 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, was not a traditional filibuster aimed at blocking legislation. Instead, his spokespeople clarified that the goal was to draw attention “to how Trump is ripping up the constitution and eroding our democratic institutions.” Early in his remarks, Merkley declared, “I’ve come to the Senate floor tonight to ring the alarm bells. We’re in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War.”
He meticulously outlined a series of actions by the Trump administration that he believes threaten the foundations of American governance. These included alleged efforts to control media companies like CBS and Disney, the deployment of National Guard troops to democratic-led cities such as Portland, Oregon, and the weaponization of the Justice Department. Merkley criticized the administration for targeting political opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff, as reported by NBC News (NBC News).
Further points of contention raised by Merkley included mass deportations, deadly strikes against suspected drug cartels, and the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He warned against the dangers of a presidency that could deploy the military “on a whim,” arguing that such actions “flung the doors open to tyranny.” He posited that “tyranny comes in two forms,” an attack on freedom and the disappearance of the “fundamental separation of powers,” which, when combined with “a rubber-stamp Congress, a deferential court, and an aggressive authoritarian personality,” creates a grave threat to the republic.
Historical Echoes and the “No Kings” Movement
Merkley’s stark comparison of the current political climate to the Civil War underscored the gravity of his concerns. This powerful rhetoric resonated with broader public sentiments, as his speech followed thousands of “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country just days prior, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. These widespread protests saw millions voice their opposition to President Trump, focusing on issues such as immigration crackdowns and the use of military troops for policing. The demonstrations reflected a growing public unease that Merkley sought to amplify from the floor of the U.S. Senate.
The “No Kings” movement, emphasizing a rejection of authoritarian rule and a defense of democratic principles, highlighted a societal anxiety that Merkley’s speech aimed to validate and articulate within the halls of power. His focus on military deployments, particularly in his home state of Oregon, served as a tangible example of the constitutional breaches he alleged.
The Senate’s Standoff: Impact and Reactions
Senator Merkley’s marathon speech took place amidst a prolonged government shutdown, which had lasted for 22 days, with Democrats and Republicans at an impasse over funding demands. While not a traditional filibuster designed to block specific legislation, his extended remarks effectively prevented the Senate from conducting other business, though the chamber was already stalemated over spending and primarily focused on nominations. This situation led to a mix of strong support and sharp criticism from his colleagues.
Several Democratic members voiced their solidarity. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) thanked Merkley for “standing up for the American people,” while Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) asserted that the speech was “a reminder that our democracy is under attack,” as noted on X (formerly Twitter) (X). Conversely, Republicans condemned the protest, with Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) criticizing Merkley for forcing Capitol staff and police to work unpaid during the shutdown (X). White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson dismissed the speech as “useless,” accusing Democrats of prioritizing protests over reopening the government.
Merkley’s protest drew comparisons to another notable extended speech earlier in the year. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) had set a record for the longest floor speech in Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 4 minutes, as reported by NBC News (NBC News). While Merkley did not break this record, the duration and intent of his speech underscore a growing trend of using the Senate floor for high-profile political statements rather than legislative obstruction.
Beyond the Floor: Long-Term Implications for Democracy
The enduring significance of Senator Merkley’s stand extends beyond the immediate political theater. His fervent warnings about the “shredding of the Constitution” and the erosion of the “fundamental separation of powers” speak to deep-seated concerns about executive authority and democratic accountability. In a political landscape increasingly defined by partisan division and the use of executive actions, Merkley’s speech serves as a critical historical marker, highlighting perceived shifts towards a more centralized and less checked presidential power.
The implications of such a shift could be profound, affecting everything from civil liberties to the balance of power between government branches. For those following the trajectory of American democracy, Merkley’s declaration that “tyranny has already arrived” is not merely rhetorical; it frames an ongoing debate about constitutional norms, the role of dissent, and the vigilance required to maintain a republic.
As discussions about executive overreach and the integrity of democratic processes continue, Senator Merkley’s overnight protest will be remembered as a passionate plea from the floor of the U.S. Senate, urging citizens and lawmakers alike to recognize and resist what he views as an existential threat to the nation’s founding principles.
