Sen. Cory Booker Responds to Trump Threats: “I Won’t Be Silenced”

New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker appeared on MSNBC’s The Briefing Thursday, where he issued a defiant response to former President Donald Trump’s escalating attacks. Booker made it clear that intimidation tactics, including threats of legal action or imprisonment, will not deter him or others from speaking out.

During the interview, host Jen Psaki brought up Trump’s public criticisms of Booker and asked the senator what he would say to Americans—particularly whistleblowers and government officials—who may feel threatened in today’s politically charged environment.

“Trump attacked you today,” Psaki noted. “You’re an elected official, and I know you’ve learned to expect that. But what do you say to others—people who are scared, who feel their truth matters—about why they should speak up now?”

Booker didn’t pause. “Stand up and fight,” he said with conviction. “I’m not backing down. Trump can tweet at me all day, threaten me, call me names—I won’t be intimidated.”

Booker referenced the recent arrests of officials in Newark, New Jersey, suggesting they were part of a disturbing pattern of political retribution targeting local Democratic leaders.

“They’ve gone after people I’ve worked with and known for years,” he said. “My own Congresswoman, LaMonica McIver, was arrested. So was my mayor. And all of them are from Newark. It seems like they’re coming after leaders from our city, and I won’t stay silent while that’s happening.”

He added: “If they want to throw me in jail, so be it. I’m going to keep standing up for justice, for our communities, and for democracy.”

Booker also shared that these actions have sparked unexpected solidarity among lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

“I’ve had open conversations with senators I never thought I’d speak with like this,” he said. “Even they are alarmed by what’s going on. People can see that this isn’t just about politics—it’s about the future of our country.”

The senator wrapped up his remarks with a broader message about civic courage and the power of collective action.

“I hope that when one person stands up and speaks the truth, it inspires another person to do the same—and then another. We need a chain reaction of courage. Our democracy is at stake, and we need people willing to defend it.”

Booker’s comments come amid growing controversy surrounding Rep. LaMonica McIver, a fellow New Jersey Democrat who was indicted earlier this year. McIver made her first court appearance in May after being charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly assaulting federal immigration agents at a detention facility.

The 38-year-old congresswoman was arraigned via video conference from Washington, D.C., and released on her own recognizance. A judge ordered her to surrender any firearms and prohibited her from international travel unless it directly related to her official duties, pending further hearings. Her preliminary hearing occurred on June 11.

McIver, who took office in September as the representative for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, has denied the allegations and framed the charges as politically and racially motivated. She has publicly claimed the incident is being distorted and that federal agents escalated the confrontation.

“I was there to do my job,” McIver told CNN. “If that’s now a crime, then we need to seriously question where this country is headed. These charges are absurd.”

Footage from the incident, however, reportedly shows McIver physically confronting ICE agents. She faces up to eight years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine if convicted.

Despite the legal jeopardy, McIver has begun fundraising efforts to mount a defense and challenge the charges, saying her case represents something larger than herself.

Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba—who previously served as an attorney for Trump—pushed back against claims that the charges are politically driven.

“This isn’t about partisanship,” Habba told reporters. “Assaulting federal agents is a serious offense, and it will not be tolerated. This has nothing to do with her role in Congress. It’s about upholding the law and protecting those who enforce it.”

Still, critics view the timing and nature of the charges with suspicion, pointing to a broader climate of political retaliation that’s raising alarm among elected officials and citizens alike.

As tensions continue to rise, Senator Booker remains unwavering in his call to action: “We need more people willing to speak up, to defend what’s right, and to push back against the misuse of power—no matter the risk.