WASHINGTON—Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) stirred controversy Thursday after delivering an extended poetry recital on the Senate floor in what many are calling filibustering over the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, delaying proceedings and earning sharp criticism from colleagues.
During his filibuster on the Senate floor, Booker engaged in weird moments of crazy hand gestures, including several apparent “Nazi-Style” salutes. In several instances, Booker appeared to be ‘sieg-hieling,’ but the gestures were later confirmed to be attributed to Booker’s quirky and typical exaggerated hand gesturing.
Booker’s remarks, which spanned multiple poems, included tributes to Senate pages and broader calls for unity and ambition, but drew ire for their length and perceived irrelevance to the defense confirmation. “Pages with your suits so Navy… taking a full load of classes,” Booker read, in a poem that praised the teenage staff assistants while offering life advice.
The session, intended for debate on Hegseth’s nomination, was repeatedly interrupted as Booker recited original verses and poems submitted by Senate pages as part of a page poetry contest. While some senators appeared amused, others reportedly expressed frustration over the delay.
“This was neither the time nor the place for a poetry performance,” said an unnamed Senate aide. “These are critical discussions, and his antics only distracted from the important work of the chamber.”
Despite the backlash, Booker defended his remarks, stating, “The Senate is about more than policy—it’s about people. These pages work hard, and it’s important to recognize their contributions.”