Congressman Al Green Removed Amid Disruption During President Trump’s Joint Session Speech

People gathering in United States legislative chamber meeting room

Representative Al Green was forcibly removed from President Trump’s joint session address after refusing to stop his loud protests over proposed Medicaid cuts, marking a dramatic moment in congressional history.

Key Takeaways

Democratic Rep. Al Green was ejected from Trump’s address to Congress after repeatedly shouting “You don’t have a mandate” regarding Medicaid cuts.
Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the Sergeant at Arms to remove Green after multiple warnings to cease disruptions.
Republicans chanted “USA! USA!” to drown out Green’s protests while Rep. Nancy Mace shouted for him to “sit down.”
Green has a history of standing against Trump, having previously introduced articles of impeachment in 2017 and 2019.
The incident highlighted deep partisan divisions, with Democrats using various protest methods including signs and symbolic clothing during the speech.

Unprecedented Removal From Presidential Address

In an extraordinary break with congressional decorum, Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas was physically removed from the House chamber during President Donald Trump’s joint session address. The incident occurred at the beginning of Trump’s speech when Green began loudly protesting the president’s claims about having a mandate to cut Medicaid, a health insurance program that serves approximately 80 million Americans. Despite multiple warnings from House Speaker Mike Johnson, Green continued his vocal protests, forcing Johnson to take the rare step of ordering the Sergeant at Arms to remove him from the chamber.

As Green repeatedly shouted his objections, Republicans in the chamber began a loud chant of “USA! USA!” in an apparent attempt to drown out his protests. The chaotic scene underscored the deep partisan divides that continue to define American politics. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican, was heard shouting at Green to “sit your a** down” as the disruption unfolded, further highlighting the tensions between the two parties during what is traditionally a more ceremonial and respectful occasion.

Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was forcibly removed from President Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4, 2025, after disrupting the speech.

Green continued to shout objections, including “You have no mandate!” and protests against potential Medicaid cuts,… pic.twitter.com/VAicmY2nWA

— ✨Twiggy McStumpwizzle✨☀️ (@TwiggyMcStmpwzl) March 5, 2025

Speaker Johnson’s Response and Aftermath

Speaker Johnson was quick to condemn Green’s actions, stating that the Texas congressman “made history in a terrible way.” Johnson suggested that Green should face censure by the House for his behavior and warned that such disruptions would not be tolerated on the House floor. Before ordering Green’s removal, Johnson had issued multiple warnings, instructing him to “take your seat” and reminding all members that they are “directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the house and to cease any further disruptions.”

“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

After exhausting verbal warnings, Johnson formally directed the Sergeant at Arms to restore order, saying, “Finding that members continue to engage in willful and concerted disruption of proper decorum, the chair now directs the sergeant at arms to restore order. Remove this gentleman from the chamber.” Vice President JD Vance, who was presiding alongside Johnson, had reportedly signaled for Green’s removal before the Speaker made it official. The incident marked a significant breach of the traditional decorum expected during presidential addresses to Congress.

This guy, Jasmine Crocket, and that one lateefah individual are perfect examples of why blacks should not be in government. Decorum does not exist for them, so they cause disruptions wherever they go. Separation is the only solution. https://t.co/zVd6sXNcv1

— A.N (@ahn6618) March 5, 2025

Green’s History of Protest and Broader Democratic Response

This is not the first time Representative Green has taken bold stands in Congress. Green has a history of opposing President Trump, having introduced articles of impeachment against him in both 2017 and 2019. According to reports, Green is currently working on new articles of impeachment, maintaining that the president is unfit for office. In defense of his actions during the speech, Green later explained that he was standing up for his constituents who rely on Medicaid services that could be at risk under Republican budget proposals.

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

While Green’s protest was the most dramatic, other Democrats employed different methods to express their opposition during the president’s address. Some displayed circular black signs with bold white lettering, featuring messages such as “Protect Veterans,” “Save Medicaid,” and “Musk Steals.” Additionally, a number of Democratic lawmakers chose to wear pink clothing as a symbol of unity and solidarity. These varying forms of protest reflect the significant policy disagreements and political tensions that continue to characterize the relationship between the two major parties in Congress.