During President Donald Trump’s recent address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, an unexpected interruption occurred when Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, vocally challenged the president’s claims. This incident led to Green’s removal from the House chamber, marking a significant moment in the evening’s proceedings.
The Incident Unfolds
As President Trump began his speech, he referenced the November 5 election, asserting that his victory constituted a “mandate” from the American people. This statement prompted Representative Green to rise from his seat, point his cane toward the dais, and shout, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid.”
Green’s outburst was met with immediate reactions from fellow lawmakers. Republican members responded with boos and chants of “USA! USA!” attempting to drown out his protest. Despite these reactions, Green continued to voice his objections, disrupting the flow of the president’s address.
Speaker’s Intervention and Ejection
In response to the escalating disruption, House Speaker Mike Johnson intervened, calling for order and reminding members to uphold decorum. He issued a warning to Green to cease further interruptions. However, as Green persisted, Speaker Johnson directed the sergeant at arms to escort the congressman from the chamber, resulting in Green’s removal from the premises.
Representative Green’s Stance
Following the incident, Representative Green remained unapologetic about his actions. He expressed that he was “following the wishes of conscience” and emphasized the importance of standing up against policies he believed detrimental to his constituents. Green stated, “There are times when it is better to stand alone than not stand at all,” underscoring his commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations reliant on Medicaid.
Background on Representative Al Green
Representative Al Green has been a member of Congress since 2005, representing Texas’s 9th congressional district, which includes parts of Houston. Born in New Orleans, Green attended Florida A&M University, Howard University, and the Tuskegee Institute, though he did not obtain a bachelor’s degree. He later earned a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and co-founded his own law firm.
Throughout his tenure, Green has been an outspoken critic of President Trump. During Trump’s first term, Green was among the first Democrats to introduce articles of impeachment against the president, forcing procedural votes in 2017 and 2019, though both attempts were unsuccessful. His recent protest during the joint session aligns with his history of vocal opposition to the Trump administration’s policies.
Reactions and Consequences
Speaker Mike Johnson condemned Green’s actions, describing them as a “spectacle that was not necessary” and indicating that such behavior would not be tolerated on the House floor. Johnson suggested that Green should be censured for his disruption, a formal reprimand by the House serving as a public condemnation of a member’s conduct. He anticipated that several Republicans would bring forward a censure resolution against Green, which he would put to a vote on the House floor.
Other Democratic members expressed their dissent during the president’s speech through less disruptive means. Some held up signs with messages such as “False,” “Save Medicaid,” and “Protect Veterans,” while others staged walkouts throughout the address.
Context of Medicaid Concerns
The crux of Representative Green’s protest centered on potential cuts to Medicaid, a federal and state program providing health coverage to millions of Americans, particularly those with low income. Recent budget resolutions passed by the House have raised concerns among Democrats about possible reductions in Medicaid funding, which they argue could adversely affect vulnerable populations. Green’s interruption aimed to highlight these concerns and challenge the president’s authority to implement such cuts without broader consensus.
Historical Precedents
While interruptions during presidential addresses are not unprecedented, the ejection of a sitting member of Congress from the chamber during such an event is rare. In previous instances, lawmakers have voiced dissent without facing removal. For example, during President Barack Obama’s 2009 address to Congress, Representative Joe Wilson shouted “You lie!” but was not ejected, though he later faced a formal rebuke from the House. Green’s removal underscores the heightened tensions and strict enforcement of decorum during this particular session.
Conclusion
Representative Al Green’s ejection from President Trump’s address to Congress highlights the deep partisan divisions and the lengths to which lawmakers may go to voice their opposition. Green’s actions reflect his steadfast commitment to protecting programs like Medicaid and challenging policies he perceives as harmful to his constituents. As discussions about healthcare funding continue, such incidents may become more frequent, prompting ongoing debates about the balance between protest and decorum in legislative settings.
