Booker stages Senate filibuster to protest 'crisis' he says Trump and Musk created

ABC News - Apr 1st, 2025
Open on ABC News

New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker has launched a filibuster on the Senate floor, beginning at 7 p.m. Monday and continuing into Tuesday morning, to protest what he describes as a national crisis instigated by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Booker insists that their disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the welfare of American citizens has led him to disrupt normal Senate proceedings. His speech, intended to last as long as physically possible, aims to draw attention to the alleged harm inflicted on Americans' safety and democratic foundations during Trump's second term. His decision to hold the floor effectively halts other Senate business until he yields.

Booker's protest underscores heightened political tensions and divisions within the United States, particularly between the executive branch and legislative oversight. By invoking concerns of bipartisan discontent, Booker highlights the significance of his actions as a non-partisan plea for national attention to perceived governance failures. The filibuster reflects broader anxieties over governmental accountability and the safeguarding of democratic principles, resonating with citizens across the political spectrum who feel their lives are adversely affected under the current administration. This event is a critical moment in ongoing debates over leadership and policy direction in the U.S.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging account of Senator Cory Booker's filibuster on the Senate floor, highlighting his protest against President Trump's actions. It effectively captures the immediacy and drama of the event, making it relevant and newsworthy. However, the story lacks balance and transparency, as it primarily presents Booker's perspective without offering opposing viewpoints or detailed source attribution. While the article's clarity and readability are strong, providing more context and diverse perspectives could enhance its impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a significant political event but could benefit from a more comprehensive and balanced approach.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports that New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker staged a filibuster on the Senate floor, starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, which is supported by multiple sources. The claim that Booker intended to speak for as long as he was physically able is also corroborated by other reports. However, the article's assertion that Elon Musk is involved in creating a national crisis alongside President Trump is less clearly supported by external sources. While Booker did mention a crisis and criticized Trump's actions, the specific role of Musk is not as detailed in other reports, indicating a potential area needing further verification. Additionally, the story's claim about the impact of Booker's speech on Senate operations is accurate, as confirmed by other sources, which state that no other business can be conducted unless Booker yields the floor.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents Senator Booker's perspective, focusing on his statements and actions during the filibuster. It lacks a balanced representation of viewpoints, particularly those from the opposition or other political figures who might have differing opinions on the issues Booker raises. The absence of responses from President Trump, Elon Musk, or Republican senators creates a one-sided narrative, potentially leading to a perception of bias. Including these perspectives would provide a more comprehensive view of the situation and enhance the article's balance.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events surrounding Senator Booker's filibuster. The language is straightforward, and the structure effectively conveys the main points of the story. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the implications of the filibuster and the specific actions of President Trump and Elon Musk that Booker is protesting. Providing additional context would improve the reader's understanding of the situation.

7
Source quality

The story does not explicitly cite sources, which makes it challenging to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. However, the events described, such as Booker's filibuster and his statements, are corroborated by multiple reputable news outlets. The lack of direct attribution to specific sources within the text detracts from the perceived quality of the reporting. Including a variety of authoritative sources and direct quotes could improve the story's reliability and impartiality.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the basis for its claims. The lack of explicit citations or references to supporting documents or reports reduces the transparency of the reporting. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect its impartiality. Providing more context about the sources of information and any influencing factors would enhance the transparency and credibility of the article.

Sources

  1. https://www.livenowfox.com/news/cory-booker-filibuster-senate-floor-speech
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HYgIPvXS8w
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/new-jersey-sen-cory-booker-launches-talking-filibuster-120365352
  4. https://whyy.org/articles/cory-booker-filibuster-new-jersey-trump-agenda/
  5. https://abc7ny.com/post/nj-senator-cory-booker-kicks-off-marathon-senate-floor-speech-protest-trump-administration-actions/16115030/