Congressman Escorted Out After Protest
Rep. Al Green faced removal from the House chamber on Tuesday night. He disrupted President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
Green, a Democrat from Texas, stood and shook his cane at Trump. He shouted, “He has no mandate,” as Trump discussed his electoral victory.
Republican lawmakers responded with chants of “Hey Hey Hey Goodbye.” House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove Green.
Figure 1: Al Green is removed from the chamber as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington. [AP]
House Speaker Calls for Order
Johnson read House rules aloud, instructing members to maintain decorum. “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House,” Johnson stated.
Green refused to sit down, prompting Johnson to call for his removal. The sergeant-at-arms escorted Green out as the chamber remained chaotic.
Green’s removal disrupted the speech for several minutes. Trump paused as lawmakers reacted. Some booed while others applauded his ejection.
Green Defends His Actions
Outside the chamber, Green justified his protest. “As a person of conscience, he has done things that I think we cannot allow to continue,” he told NBC News.
Green criticised Trump’s budget proposal. “This whole budget that he has is one that is going to cause Medicaid to be cut,” he said.
Green has pushed for Trump’s impeachment multiple times. He previously filed articles of impeachment against Trump last month.
He accused Trump of targeting vulnerable communities. “He doesn’t have a mandate to cut health care from poor people,” Green said.
Democrats Protest Trump’s Policies
Several Democrats displayed signs criticising Trump’s policies. Some held black paddles with messages such as:
- “SAVE MEDICAID”
- “PROTECT VETERANS”
- “MUSK STEALS”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib held a whiteboard with the message “THAT’S A LIE.”
The Democratic Women’s Caucus wore pink to protest Trump’s stance on women’s rights. Other Democrats wore blue and yellow ties in support of Ukraine.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tense Oval Office exchange.
Signs and Statements in Protest
Rep. Melanie Stansbury held a sign stating, “This is not normal.” Rep. Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas, grabbed the sign and threw it into the air.
Several Democrats removed their jackets to reveal black shirts with messages. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s shirt read “Resist.” Rep. Maxwell Frost’s shirt said “No more kings.”
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove walked out of the speech in protest. “There’s only so much bulls— a person can tolerate,” she posted on X.
Divisions on the House Floor
House Democratic leaders urged members to maintain decorum before the speech. Minority Whip Katherine Clark asked members to avoid using props.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries encouraged focus on Trump’s policies. He advised members not to shift attention to themselves.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Green’s removal sparked reactions from both parties. Some Democrats called it an attack on free speech, while Republicans defended Johnson’s decision. The incident underscored growing tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
A Rare Congressional Ejection
The removal of a lawmaker during a joint address is rare. It’s ejection marked an unusual moment in modern congressional history.
Trump continued his speech as the chamber remained divided. Some members applauded while others expressed disapproval.
Republicans praised Johnson for enforcing order. Democrats accused Republicans of suppressing dissent.
Green Remains Defiant
This remained firm in his stance after removal. “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up,” he said.
He remained uncertain about facing formal punishment. Congress has yet to announce potential disciplinary actions.
Trump’s address continued with sharp criticism of his opponents. The night highlighted deep political divisions within Congress.
