Democratic Representative Al Green was ejected from the House chamber on Tuesday night after interrupting President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Green, a vocal critic of the president, stood up early in the speech and shouted, “Mr. President, you don’t have a mandate!” in response to proposed Medicaid cuts.
His outburst was immediately drowned out by Republican lawmakers chanting “U-S-A!” before House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green’s removal from the chamber. Green’s protest highlighted Democratic opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly regarding healthcare funding for low-income Americans.
Following his ejection, Green addressed reporters, expressing no regrets for his actions and stating that he is willing to accept any punishment that may be imposed. He reiterated his stance against Trump’s Medicaid policies, arguing that cuts to the program would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.
“This is the richest country in the world, and we have people who don’t have good health care. We’ve got to do better, and now we’re about to cut Medicaid, which is for the poor,” Green said. He also revealed plans to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump, citing what he considers to be the president’s lack of a legitimate mandate to implement such policies.
Green was not alone in protesting during Trump’s address. Several Democratic women lawmakers wore pink dresses as a symbolic statement against the administration’s policies, particularly those they say have led to rising costs that disproportionately impact women. Additionally, some Democrats wore blue and yellow ties to show their solidarity with Ukraine. This gesture came in response to Trump’s recent announcement that he is pausing all military aid to the country, following a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Throughout Trump’s speech, the partisan divide was evident. While Republicans enthusiastically applauded the president’s remarks and frequently broke into chants of “U-S-A,” many Democrats remained seated in silence. Some held placards with the word “false” in response to certain claims made by Trump.
Green’s ejection underscores the deep political divisions in Congress as debates over healthcare, foreign aid, and presidential authority continue to intensify.
