Rep. Al Green Ejected from Trump’s Congressional Address Following Medicaid Protest

Audience in a large hall with central podium

Democratic Representative Al Green was forcibly removed from President Trump’s Congressional address after shouting about Medicaid cuts, triggering a stern response from Speaker Mike Johnson and setting off a partisan display that marred the official proceedings.

Key Takeaways

  • Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was ejected from Trump’s Congressional address after protesting the president’s claims about having a mandate to cut Medicaid
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green’s removal and suggested possible censure, calling his actions a breach of decorum
  • Republicans chanted “USA! USA!” to drown out Green’s protests while Rep. Nancy Mace shouted for him to “sit down”
  • The incident highlighted deep partisan divisions, with some Democrats displaying protest signs with messages about protecting veterans and Medicaid
  • Green has a history of standing alone against Trump, having previously introduced impeachment articles in 2017 and 2019

Unprecedented Removal from Presidential Address

Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas made history for all the wrong reasons when he became the first member of Congress to be physically removed during a presidential address. The incident occurred at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress. Green repeatedly shouted, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” interrupting Trump as he attempted to begin his address to lawmakers. The outburst immediately created chaos in the chamber.

House Speaker Mike Johnson responded swiftly to the disruption. After initially warning Green to take his seat, Johnson ultimately directed the sergeant at arms to remove the congressman from the chamber. Following the incident, Johnson condemned Green’s behavior in strong terms, suggesting the possibility of a censure motion against the Texas representative. “He’s made history in a terrible way,” Johnson stated after the session.

Partisan Reaction and Escalating Tensions

The scene quickly devolved into partisan theater as Republican members tried to drown out Green’s protests by chanting “USA! USA!” while some Democratic colleagues displayed signs with messages about protecting Medicaid and veterans. Republican Representative Nancy Mace reportedly shouted at Green to “Sit your a** down!” as the disruption continued. The tension in the chamber highlighted the deep political divisions that have characterized Trump’s return to Washington.

“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

Speaker Johnson made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated, issuing a formal warning before taking the unprecedented step of removal. “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the house and to cease any further disruptions,” Johnson declared, adding, “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.”

Green’s History of Standing Alone

This is not Green’s first time taking a solitary stand against Trump. The Houston congressman has a history of being willing to break from the pack, having introduced articles of impeachment against then-President Trump in both 2017 and 2019, before formal impeachment efforts gained wider Democratic support. According to reports, Green is currently working on new articles of impeachment against Trump, maintaining his position that the president is unfit for office.

“The president was saying he had a mandate, and I was making it clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid.” – Al Green

Green later defended his actions by expressing concern about Republican budget proposals that could affect Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. He emphasized that these programs are vital to many of his constituents in Texas. The congressman warned that potential cuts to these programs would have a significant impact on millions of Americans who rely on them for healthcare and financial stability. Medicaid alone serves approximately 80 million Americans, according to statistics referenced during the event.

Sources:

  1. Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump and may face censure by the House for the outburst
  2. Democrat Al Green removed from Trump’s Congress speech for heckling | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera
  3. Al Green Removed From House Chamber for Heckling Trump During Speech – The New York Times
  4. Rep. Al Green booted from Trump speech over Democrat disruptions | Just The News

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