Congressman Al Green didn’t mince his words…
Congressman Al Green was removed from Donald Trump’s joint address of Congress after heckling the president that he ‘has no mandate’.
Before President Donald Trump took to the podium for his record-breaking speech, a lighthearted moment unfolded with Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who shared a quick outfit check and a playful joke. But the real drama began when Trump was heckled by Lawmaker Al Green mid-speech, quickly turning the atmosphere tense.
Trump kicked off his address by proudly declaring, “America is back,” reflecting on the historic moment six weeks earlier when he stood beneath the Capitol’s dome, confidently proclaiming the start of “the golden age of America.”
Trump continued his speech, boasting that in just 43 days, his administration had “accomplished more than most in four years or eight,” crediting it to its swift and unrelenting action in bringing forth what he deemed the “greatest and most successful era in the history of our country.”
“I return to this chamber tonight to report that America’s momentum is back,” he declared, his voice filled with confidence. “Our spirit is back. Our pride is back. Our confidence is back. And the American dream is surging – bigger and better than ever before.”
“The American dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again. Never been anything like it.” As some of the crowd chanted “USA” in agreement, the mood shifted when Trump began reflecting on his “astonishing record” of securing victories. That’s when Democratic lawmaker Al Green stood up, pointed his cane toward the president, and interrupted with: “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid.”
Green’s outburst was a direct response to Trump’s actions shortly after taking office, which included revoking President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14009, a move aimed at protecting Medicaid and strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly stepped in, instructing the chamber: “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House, and to cease any further disruptions. That’s your warning. Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant-at-arms to restore order to the joint session.”
Despite the warning, Green didn’t comply. Johnson ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the chamber, noting that members had continued “to engage in willful and concerted disruption” of proper decorum.
With Green escorted out, Johnson turned to Trump and said, “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House. Mr. President, you continue.”
Trump thanked Johnson and carried on with his record-breaking 99-minute speech. Meanwhile, Johnson reflected on the “spectacle” of Green’s interruption, calling it unnecessary and arguing that he had “made history in a terrible way.” On the other hand, Green defended his actions, claiming he was “following the wishes of conscience.”
After being escorted out of the chamber, Al Green spoke to reporters, standing firm in his beliefs. “I’ll accept the punishment. But it’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” he stated.
Later, in an interview with ABC News, Green reflected on his actions, saying: “There are times when it’s better to stand alone than not stand at all.”
