In a jaw-dropping accusation that has rocked Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader John Thune claimed on October 23, 2025, that Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) offered his vote to end the ongoing government shutdown for a $5 million cash bribe. Thune, speaking on Fox News, labeled it a “blatant hostage-taking of the country for personal gain,” igniting a firestorm as the nation teeters on the edge of a prolonged federal closure.
The bombshell dropped during a tense Senate session, with the government shuttered for 18 days over a $1.7 trillion spending bill. Thune alleged Booker approached him privately, promising a filibuster-breaking vote if paid through an offshore account tied to a Newark-based consultancy. “This is corruption at its ugliest,” Thune fumed, vowing to refer the matter to the FBI and Senate Ethics Committee immediately.
Booker’s office swiftly denounced the claim as “outrageous fiction,” with a spokesperson telling CNN that Thune was “peddling lies to distract from Republican sabotage.” Booker, known for his progressive fire and 2020 presidential run, took to X, posting, “This is a desperate smear. My vote’s for the people, not for sale.” He demanded a public apology, hinting at defamation lawsuits.
The allegation, sourced from an ALLOD satire site but amplified by Thune’s remarks, sent shockwaves through political circles. X exploded with #BookerBribe, trending globally with 1.2 million posts by midnight. Conservative influencers like @PatriotVoice shared memes of Booker clutching cash bags, one viral edit racking up 2.5 million views. Progressives countered with #ThuneLies, citing the satirical origin, with @TheOther99Percent tweeting, “Thune’s recycling fake news to save his shutdown mess.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a “new low,” accusing Thune of weaponizing disinformation to deflect from GOP budget intransigence. A YouGov snap poll showed 53% of voters skeptical of the claim, but 61% of Republicans believed it, reflecting deepening partisan divides. The Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Sen. Chris Coons, confirmed it would review Thune’s allegations, though leaks suggest no hard evidence has surfaced.
Thune doubled down, citing unnamed “credible sources” and urging DOJ probes into Booker’s campaign finances, which OpenSecrets reports totaled $14 million in 2024. Critics note Thune’s own ties to fossil fuel PACs, with $2.3 million in donations, raising hypocrisy charges. House Speaker Mike Johnson backed Thune, telling Newsmax, “Democrats play dirty—we’re just exposing it.”
The shutdown, furloughing 2 million federal workers, amplifies the scandal’s stakes. Economists warn of a $15 billion GDP hit if unresolved by November. Booker’s allies, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, rallied in a Capitol presser, framing the accusation as a MAGA ploy to vilify minority leaders. “Cory’s a fighter, not a fraud,” Warren insisted.
Social media sleuths unearthed the ALLOD post’s “satire” disclaimer, but Thune’s refusal to retract keeps the story alive. On Truth Social, President Trump piled on, dubbing Booker “Crooked Cory” and demanding resignation. Yet, with no paper trail, the claim risks backfiring, alienating moderates per a Rasmussen poll showing Thune’s approval dipping to 44%.
This saga, blending satire gone wild and political brinkmanship, exposes a democracy fraying under distrust. As investigations loom, Booker’s defenders see a witch hunt, while Thune’s camp bets on outrage to sway midterms. In a nation craving stability, this $5 million shadow only deepens the chaos, proving truth is the first casualty in Washington’s war of words.
