During President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, the event was disrupted within the first few minutes by the vocal objections of a congressman. As Trump asserted that his significant election win granted him a mandate unlike any seen in decades, Representative Al Green (D, Texas) rose from his seat and loudly declared, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” and “He has no mandate!”
Green’s protests were initially drowned out by Republicans chanting “USA! USA!” However, undeterred, Green continued to stand, shout, and wave his cane as Trump tried to press on with his speech. Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.) intervened, reminding the lawmakers present of the importance of maintaining decorum in the House. With Green persisting in his disruptive behavior, Johnson eventually directed the House sergeant-at-arms to escort Green out of the chamber—a move that some journalists have characterized as “unprecedented.”
Following his removal, Green told reporters that he was actively working on articles of impeachment against Trump and acknowledged the uncertainty of facing consequences for his actions during the speech. Nevertheless, he emphasized, “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some who will stand up.”
Who is Al Green?
At 77 years old, Green has represented Texas’ solidly blue 9th congressional district, encompassing parts of Greater Houston, since 2005. Prior to his congressional tenure, he served as a justice of the peace in Harris County. Green has previously drawn attention for launching multiple unsuccessful impeachment efforts against Trump during the former president’s first term. In February, Green announced his intention to introduce new impeachment articles against Trump following the President’s controversial remarks regarding the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.
How are people reacting?
Support for the outspoken congressman has been voiced by various individuals and organizations. Civil rights groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Voto Latino have expressed solidarity with Green. Former Representative Jamaal Bowman (D, N.Y.) went as far as to suggest that all Democrats should have followed Green’s lead.
In contrast, some have drawn comparisons to the treatment of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, Ga.) during her disruptions at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union addresses in 2022 and 2023. Criticism was directed at the differing responses to Greene’s actions compared to Green’s, with some highlighting what they perceived as a double standard.
The Trump Administration’s Rapid Response account criticized Green for his “appalling lack of decorum and respect,” while the President’s son, Don Jr., labeled Green as emblematic of the perceived shortcomings of the Democratic Party. Amidst the seriousness of the situation, attempts at humor have also emerged, with right-wing media outlet Breitbart juxtaposing an image of Green with a meme from The Simpsons. Comedy Central’s The Daily Show humorously referenced the incident, imagining a scenario in
