Tensions Rise as Rep. Al Green Escorted Out After Interrupting Trump’s Address to Congress

Democratic Party symbol on American flag background.

Democratic Rep. Al Green was forcibly removed from the House chamber during President Trump’s congressional address after repeatedly interrupting the speech and disrupting the proceedings.

Quick Takes

House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green’s removal after the Texas Democrat shouted that Trump had “no mandate to cut Medicaid”
Republicans drowned out Green’s protests with chants of “USA! USA!” while some Democrats used signs and pink clothing as passive forms of protest
Rep. Nancy Mace shouted at Green to “sit your a** down” during the disruption
Speaker Johnson suggested Green should be censured for his actions, calling it “history in a terrible way”
Green has a history of confronting Trump, having previously introduced articles of impeachment against him in 2017 and 2019

Immediate Disruption as President Began Address

The incident occurred at the very beginning of President Trump’s joint address to Congress. As Trump began to speak, Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, repeatedly shouted from the chamber floor that the president had “no mandate” to cut Medicaid, a program that serves approximately 80 million Americans. The outburst came as Republicans in Congress have been discussing potential changes to entitlement programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Green’s interruptions quickly drew a harsh response from Republicans in attendance who began chanting “USA! USA!” in an attempt to drown out his protests.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace was heard shouting directly at Green to “sit your a** down!” as the disruption continued. Vice President JD Vance, who was presiding alongside Speaker Johnson at the rostrum, signaled for Green to be removed. After multiple warnings went unheeded, Speaker Johnson formally directed the sergeant at arms to escort Green from the chamber, marking an extraordinary moment of partisan tension during what is traditionally a ceremonial address.

Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was forcibly removed from President Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4, 2025, after disrupting the speech.

Green continued to shout objections, including “You have no mandate!” and protests against potential Medicaid cuts,… pic.twitter.com/VAicmY2nWA

— ✨Twiggy McStumpwizzle✨☀️ (@TwiggyMcStmpwzl) March 5, 2025

Speaker Johnson’s Strong Response

Following the address, Speaker Johnson condemned Green’s actions in stark terms and suggested potential formal censure by the House. “He’s made history in a terrible way,” Johnson stated. The Speaker made it clear that such disruptions would not be tolerated, issuing a formal warning to all members before ordering Green’s removal. “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the house and to cease any further disruptions,” Johnson announced before taking the extraordinary step of ejecting a sitting congressman from the chamber.

“If they want to make a 77-year-old heckling congressman the face of their resistance, if that’s the Democrat Party, so be it. But we will not tolerate it on the House floor.” – Mike Johnson

Johnson’s full admonishment escalated as Green continued his disruption: “That’s your warning. Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session. Mr. Green, take your seat. Take your seat, sir. Take your seat. Finding that members continue to engage in willful and concerted disruption of proper decorum, the chair now directs the sergeant at arms to restore order. Remove this gentleman from the chamber.”

This guy, Jasmine Crocket, and that one lateefah individual are perfect examples of why blacks should not be in government. Decorum does not exist for them, so they cause disruptions wherever they go. Separation is the only solution. https://t.co/zVd6sXNcv1

— A.N (@ahn6618) March 5, 2025

Green’s History of Confrontation and Defense of Actions

Al Green has a long history of standing alone in opposition to President Trump. In 2017 and 2019, he introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, moves that were not broadly supported even within his own party at the time. Following his removal from the chamber, Green defended his actions by emphasizing his concern for constituents who rely on Medicaid. “The president was saying he had a mandate, and I was making it clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green explained to reporters after the incident.

Reports indicate that Green is now working on drafting new articles of impeachment against Trump, stating that he believes the president is unfit for office. The Texas congressman’s vocal opposition to any potential cuts to entitlement programs reflects broader Democratic concerns about Republican budget priorities. Other Democrats in attendance used less disruptive methods of protest, with some wearing pink clothing as a symbol of unity and others displaying signs with messages like “Protect Veterans,” “Save Medicaid,” and “Musk Steals” during the address.