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Rep. Al Green Defends Outburst Against Trump, Faces Possible Censure
Despite facing potential censure from House leaders, Rep. Al Green stood by his dramatic protest during President Donald Trump’s congressional address, insisting it was necessary to challenge the president’s claims.
“The president spoke as if he had a mandate,” Green told reporters. “I wanted to make it clear—he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” referencing the healthcare program that serves 80 million Americans.
“It was worth it,” he added. “People need to know that some of us will stand up to this president.”
Green’s interruption set the tone for an already tense evening. With Democrats, now in the minority, sitting silently on one side of the chamber and Republicans energized on the other, the atmosphere was charged. As Green rose, gripping his walking cane and directing his words at Trump, Republicans quickly drowned him out with loud chants of “USA! USA!”
From his seat on the dais, Speaker Mike Johnson hesitated before acting, appearing reluctant to disrupt the president’s address. However, as Green continued, Johnson shook his head and sought to restore order. Vice President JD Vance signaled for Green’s removal, prompting the Speaker to issue a firm warning.
“Take your seat, sir!” Johnson ordered, pounding the gavel. Green, a veteran congressman, refused. Moments later, Johnson directed the Sergeant at Arms to remove him from the chamber—a rare and swift disciplinary action for a sitting lawmaker.
Following the incident, Johnson called for Green’s censure, one of the more severe reprimands the House can impose.
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“He’s made history in a terrible way,” Johnson remarked. “If Democrats want a 77-year-old heckler to be the face of their resistance, so be it. But this behavior will not be tolerated on the House floor.”
Disruptions during presidential addresses aren’t new. Republican Rep. Joe Wilson famously shouted “You lie!” at President Barack Obama, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has repeatedly heckled President Joe Biden. Yet, Green’s defiance stood out—not just for its intensity but for how swiftly the House moved to discipline him.
Green, a longtime lawmaker known for his willingness to stand alone, has frequently clashed with Republican leadership. He led early efforts to impeach Trump in 2017 and again in 2019, ahead of the formal impeachment proceedings over Trump’s handling of Ukraine aid.
His determination has often defied expectations. Last year, while recovering from surgery, he left his hospital bed to cast a decisive vote against the GOP-led impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas—stalling the effort before Republicans ultimately succeeded days later.
On Tuesday, Green reiterated his opposition to proposed GOP budget cuts, warning of their impact on programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, which millions rely on.
“This isn’t just about politics,” he said. “It’s about real people losing their healthcare.”
In his final remarks, Green made his stance clear: he is preparing new articles of impeachment against Trump.
“This president is unfit,” he declared. “He should not hold office.”