Merkley Delivers 22-Hour Senate Speech Against Trump Actions
Above: Sen. Jeff Merkley speaks at a news conference after his overnight speech on the Senate floor on Oct. 22, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Merkley's historic speech has shed further light on Trump's authoritarian assault on democracy and put crucial facts on the permanent Senate record. He courageously sounded alarm bells about the biggest threat to America since the Civil War, documenting Trump's constitutional violations and election rigging attempts. This wasn't grandstanding but essential work to preserve democracy.
Republican narrative
This selfish political stunt forced unpaid Capitol Police and staff to work overnight during the government shutdown that Merkley and the Democrats caused. While federal workers missed paychecks, Merkley grandstanded in an empty chamber for personal attention. Even some liberal allies had to admit this theatrical performance accomplished nothing.
