Rep. Al Green of Texas has long been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, and on Tuesday night, he made it clear that his opposition remains strong. As Trump addressed Congress, boasting about his 2024 victory and popular vote claims, Green interrupted—leading to his removal from the House floor.
A Moment of Disruption on the House Floor
During Trump’s joint address to Congress, just two minutes into his speech, Rep. Al Green stood up and began shouting. Though the exact words were inaudible, his outburst was enough to make Trump pause, disrupting his remarks about his election success. Speaker Mike Johnson quickly intervened, warning the chamber that members must maintain decorum.
As Green continued his protest, pointing his cane in Trump’s direction, Speaker Johnson instructed the Sergeant at Arms to remove him. After some back-and-forth, Green was escorted out but not before making sure his voice was heard once more.
Green’s Reason for Protesting: Defending Medicaid
After his removal, Green explained the motivation behind his protest. The catalyst was Trump’s claim that his electoral victory in November was a clear “mandate” from the American people—a declaration Green disagreed with.
The Texas congressman’s protest was not just political theater; it was deeply personal for his constituents. Green specifically called attention to the proposed cuts to Medicaid, a lifeline for many of the poor and marginalized people he represents. “There’s no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green emphasized. “People are fearful. These are poor people, and Medicaid is their health care.”
Green’s words were a direct response to Trump’s speech, in which he bragged about winning seven swing states, securing a 312-vote victory in the electoral college. But for Green, Trump’s rhetoric and proposed budget cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and Social Security were unacceptable.
A Long History of Opposition to Trump
This was not the first time Green had raised his voice against Trump. Throughout the president’s first term, Green introduced articles of impeachment in 2017 and again in 2019, highlighting concerns about Trump’s conduct and policies. His stance has only hardened in recent months, particularly after Trump suggested that the U.S. should take over Gaza, displacing millions of Palestinians.
In a recent speech, Green made it clear that he would continue his fight against Trump’s administration. “I rise to announce that the movement to impeach the president has begun,” he declared. “The people have got to move forward. The people have to demand it, and when the people demand it, it will be done.”
Green’s Impeachment Efforts Continue
Despite his physical removal from the House floor, Green’s commitment to his cause remains unwavering. “I’m also working on my articles of impeachment,” he said, reaffirming his dedication to holding the president accountable for what he believes are dangerous and harmful policies.
Rep. Al Green’s protest was more than a disruption; it was a statement—a call to protect vulnerable Americans from harmful policy changes and to hold the president accountable for actions Green considers detrimental to the country’s most vulnerable populations.