Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was removed from the House chamber on Tuesday after disrupting Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
The veteran lawmaker, known for his past impeachment efforts against Trump, openly challenged the former president’s claim of a broad electoral mandate.
Green’s protest, which included vocal opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts, quickly escalated into a tense confrontation on the House floor.
BREAKING: Rep Al Green (D-TX) has been REMOVED from US President Trump’s address after repeatedly interrupting him and refusing to take his seat
The incident highlighted deep divisions within Congress as Trump laid out his policy agenda.
While Republicans celebrated Green’s removal, chanting “Goodbye!” as he was escorted out, the moment underscored ongoing political tensions surrounding Trump’s return to office.
Green’s history of vocal opposition to Trump dates back to the former president’s first term when he was among the earliest lawmakers to push for impeachment.
Al Green’s background
Al Green, 77, has served as the US representative for Texas’ 9th congressional district since 2005.
Born in New Orleans, he earned a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1974 before beginning his political career as a justice of the peace in Harris County.
His congressional tenure has been marked by a strong focus on civil rights, economic justice, and healthcare access.
Green’s clashes with Trump are well-documented. In 2017, he became the first lawmaker to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, citing obstruction of justice in the Russia investigation.
He later forced multiple House votes on impeachment, drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers and some moderate Democrats. His continued opposition to Trump’s policies has remained a defining feature of his tenure in Congress.
The disruption in Congress
Tensions flared early in Trump’s address when he declared, “The presidential election of Nov. 5 was a mandate like has not been seen in many decades.” Seated near the aisle, Green immediately stood and shouted, “You have no mandate.”
His comments, aimed at disputing Trump’s electoral legitimacy and proposed Medicaid cuts, triggered a heated response from Republican lawmakers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Green to stop his outburst or face removal. However, the Texas Democrat continued to interject, prompting Johnson to order the Sergeant at Arms to restore order.
As Green was escorted out, Republican members loudly jeered, chanting “Nah nah nah nah, goodbye.” Green, undeterred, continued to voice opposition to Trump’s policies while being removed from the chamber.
Outside, Green defended his actions, stating that Trump’s claims of a mandate were misleading and that his proposed budget would harm vulnerable Americans.
The moment added to an already charged atmosphere in Congress, with members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wearing pink in protest and others displaying messages critical of Trump’s policies.
Protests during Trump’s speech
Green’s removal was just one of several demonstrations during Trump’s speech. Democratic lawmakers expressed dissent in various ways, with some donning blue and yellow ties in support of Ukraine.
Others displayed messages accusing billionaire Elon Musk of threatening Social Security, reflecting broader concerns over economic policy changes under Trump’s leadership.
Several Democratic representatives also revealed T-shirts with slogans such as “Resist” and “No more kings,” while Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a whiteboard reading, “THAT’S A LIE.”
The display of defiance underscored ongoing divisions in the House, where Trump’s policies on healthcare, social security, and foreign relations have faced strong pushback.
Despite warnings from House Democratic leadership to maintain decorum, the speech saw multiple disruptions.
Minority Whip Katherine Clark had urged members to avoid using props, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries advised lawmakers to focus on the impact of Trump’s policies rather than making the moment about personal protests.
However, the charged atmosphere made it clear that bipartisan cooperation remains elusive.
Trump’s return to the congressional stage reignited old political battles, with Green’s removal symbolising the lingering animosity between the former president and his critics.
As the dust settles, Green’s protest is likely to remain a defining moment in the latest chapter of the Trump era.
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