Democratic Rep. Al Green escorted out after interrupting Trump's speech

 Rep. Al Green Removed After Disrupting Trump’s Speech
By Henry J. Gomez, Frank Thorp V, and Scott Wong
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was escorted from the House chamber Tuesday night after interrupting President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
A longtime advocate for Trump’s impeachment, Green stood and shook his cane at the president in the speech’s opening moments, sparking a mix of cheers and boos from fellow lawmakers. The commotion prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to remind members of decorum rules.
“Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House and to cease any further disruptions,” Johnson declared. When Green refused to back down, Johnson ordered the House sergeant at arms to remove him.
As Green was led out, Republicans jeered, chanting, “Nah nah nah nah, goodbye.”

Speaking to NBC News outside the chamber, Green defended his actions. “As a person of conscience, I believe Trump has done things we cannot allow to continue,” he said, criticizing the administration’s proposed Medicaid cuts.

Protest and Pushback in the Chamber

Green’s protest was just one of many visible expressions of opposition.

Democratic Women’s Caucus members wore pink in defiance of Trump’s policies on women and families.
Support for Ukraine was signaled through blue and yellow ties, days after Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Criticism of Elon Musk appeared on stickers accusing him of “stealing Social Security,” a reference to his comments on government benefits.
Slogans on display included black paddles reading “SAVE MEDICAID” and “PROTECT VETERANS,” while Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., held a whiteboard stating, “THAT’S A LIE.”

Some Democrats made an even bolder statement. Reps. Jasmine Crockett (Texas) and Andrea Salinas (Oregon) revealed black shirts reading “Resist,” while Rep. Maxwell Frost (Florida) sported one saying, “No more kings.”

Calls for Decorum Before the Speech

House Democratic leaders had urged restraint ahead of Trump’s address. In a closed-door meeting, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., advised members against using props, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., encouraged them to keep the focus on policy rather than personal protests.

Despite these warnings, some Democrats took a stand. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., walked out, later posting on X: “There’s only so much bulls--- a person can tolerate.”

Trump’s speech, meant to highlight his administration’s achievements, instead became a stage for deep political divisions.