In a dramatic turn of events during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, 2025, Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas was removed from the House chamber after a series of disruptions. The incident unfolded as President Trump began his speech, declaring his administration’s vision and accomplishments.
Rep. Green, a vocal critic of the president, interrupted the address by shouting, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” while pointing his cane at the president. His outburst sparked a mix of cheers and jeers from the chamber, with Republicans chanting “USA! USA!” in response. The disruption prompted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, to intervene.
Citing a breach of decorum, Speaker Johnson warned Rep. Green to take his seat and cease further interruptions. When Green refused to comply, Johnson directed the Sergeant at Arms to remove him from the chamber. As Green was escorted out, some Republican members chanted, “Goodbye!” in a display of partisan tension.
Rep. Green defended his actions outside the chamber, stating, “As a person of conscience, I could not remain silent while the president claimed a mandate to cut Medicaid. This budget proposal is an attack on the most vulnerable among us.” Green’s protest highlighted the deep divisions within Congress over the administration’s policies, particularly on healthcare and social welfare.
The incident underscored the heightened political tensions in Washington, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over key issues. While some viewed Green’s actions as a courageous stand against policies he deemed harmful, others criticized the disruption as a breach of congressional decorum.
President Trump’s address continued after the interruption, emphasizing his administration’s achievements and vision for the future. However, Democratic lawmakers’ visible signs of protest, including symbolic attire and signs opposing the president’s policies, marked the speech.
The removal of Rep. Green from the chamber serves as a stark reminder of the polarized political climate in the United States, where debates over policy often spill into public displays of dissent. As the nation grapples with pressing issues, moments like these reflect the challenges of finding common ground in a deeply divided Congress.
