Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was forcibly removed from the House chamber Tuesday night after disrupting Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress, shaking his cane and refusing to sit down.
The Texas Democrat, a longtime critic of Trump, interrupted the speech early on, triggering cheers and boos from fellow lawmakers. Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green’s removal after he refused to cease his protest.
WHY IT MATTERS: Green’s protest underscored Democratic resistance to Trump’s agenda, particularly his proposed Medicaid cuts and claims of a governing mandate.
What Al Green said to Trump before being removed:
— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) March 5, 2025
“You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!”
He’s right. The overwhelming majority of the country including 70% of Trump’s own voters don’t support cutting Medicaid. pic.twitter.com/enL4F3OXm4
THE DETAILS: Outside the chamber, Green told NBC News, “Trump doesn’t have a mandate to cut health care from poor people.”
- Many Democrats staged silent protests, wearing pink to oppose Trump’s policies on women and families, and blue-and-yellow ties in solidarity with Ukraine.
- Others displayed messages on stickers and paddles, with slogans like “SAVE MEDICAID” and “MUSK STEALS,” a reference to Elon Musk’s push to overhaul Social Security.
THE BACKGROUND: Trump’s speech, meant to rally support for his policy agenda, was met with deep skepticism from Democrats. His budget proposal includes steep cuts to social programs, while his stance on Ukraine has drawn bipartisan concern.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove walked out mid-speech, calling Trump’s remarks “shameful.” Other Democrats, including Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Maxwell Frost, revealed protest shirts with slogans like “Resist” and “No more kings.”
WHAT’S NEXT: With a divided Congress, Trump’s proposals face significant opposition. Expect more public confrontations as Democrats fight back against his agenda.