Written by Bo Erickson and Gabriella BorterWASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democratic representatives staged a protest during President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on Tuesday, displaying signs with messages such as “No King” and “Save Medicaid.” Some members turned their backs on the Republican President as he delivered his address, while one lawmaker was escorted out by security.Representative Al Green of Texas, a Democrat who intends to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, disrupted the speech early on by vocally expressing his opposition to Trump’s proposed cuts to safety net programs.Republicans are currently pushing for a spending bill that could lead to significant reductions in funding for popular social programs, including Medicaid – a vital health insurance plan for low-income individuals, in order to finance Trump’s proposed tax cuts.House Speaker Mike Johnson instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Green from the chamber, prompting cheers from Republican members as Green was escorted out, waving his cane in protest.Green later told reporters, “It is important to send a message that some of us will stand against this President’s efforts to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.”Given the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, any potential impeachment proceedings against Trump are unlikely to gain traction.During the first hour of the speech, several Democrats walked out in protest.Trump dismissed their actions, stating, “I observe the Democrats in front of me and realize that nothing I say will satisfy them or prompt them to stand, smile, or applaud. There is nothing I can do for these individuals sitting here who refuse to acknowledge or appreciate these significant achievements.”A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted on Tuesday indicated that 44% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as President thus far, while 51% disapprove.Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas and others turned their backs on Trump during his speech, displaying messages like “Resist” and “No Kings live here” on the backs of their shirts before exiting the chamber. Some appeared despondent, while others held up signs reading “Save Medicaid,” “Protect Veterans,” and “Musk Steals,” highlighting the controversial cost-cutting measures implemented by billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan used a whiteboard to display various messages in response to Trump’s words, including “No king!”Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, the leading Democrat on the House DOGE subcommittee who has demanded that Musk testify before Congress regarding his agency’s actions, held up a sign as Trump entered the chamber that read, “This is not normal.”Republican Representative Lance Gooden of Texas promptly grabbed and tossed the sign into the air.(Reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Scott Malone and Deepa Babington)
