U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) found himself at the center of a heated moment during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night when he was forcefully removed from the House chamber after interrupting the president’s remarks on Medicaid cuts.
Green, 77, a veteran legislator representing Texas’ 9th Congressional District since 2005, is known for his vocal opposition to Trump. As the president discussed budget reductions affecting social programs, Green stood up, raised his golden-handled cane, and shouted that Trump was not authorized to make such cuts. His outburst was quickly drowned out by Republican lawmakers chanting “U-S-A!” before House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered his removal.
“I accept any punishment for my actions,” Green told reporters afterward. “It was worth it to make sure the American people know that some of us will stand up to this president.”
Democratic Congressman Al Green was removed from a congress session after interrupting Donald Trump’s speech, yelling ‘You have no mandate to cut Medicaid.’pic.twitter.com/lH8zdI23e2
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 5, 2025
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A History of Confrontation with Trump
This is not the first time Green has clashed with the president. During Trump’s first term, he was among the earliest lawmakers to call for impeachment proceedings. Now, with Trump back in office, Green has pledged to file new articles of impeachment, continuing his longstanding opposition.
Beyond impeachment efforts, Green has been a vocal critic of Trump’s handling of foreign policy, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza. His removal from the chamber is emblematic of the deep divisions between the administration and Democrats on critical policy issues.
Who is Al Green?
Born in New Orleans in 1947, Green earned his law degree from Texas Southern University in 1973. He co-founded a law firm before entering public service in 1977 as a justice of the peace in Harris County, Texas, a position he held for 26 years.
In 2004, he won the Democratic primary for Texas’ 9th congressional district and has since been re-elected multiple times. Green has built his political career around civil rights advocacy, economic justice, and healthcare access. According to his congressional website, he has “fought for those whose voices too often go unheard.”
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A Defender of Medicaid and Social Programs
Green’s protest during Trump’s address was rooted in his concern over Medicaid cuts. Medicaid, a program that provides healthcare assistance to low-income Americans, serves approximately 80 million people. While Trump has insisted that Medicaid will remain intact, proposed budget cuts have alarmed Democrats, who argue that reductions would be impossible without slashing key social services.
“This is the richest country in the world, yet people are struggling to access basic healthcare,” Green said after his removal from the chamber. “We must do better.”
Medicaid reductions have been a significant concern for Democrats, who argue that Trump’s economic policies disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. While Green was the only lawmaker forcibly removed, several other Democrats protested during the speech by holding signs supporting Medicaid or condemning Elon Musk’s cost-cutting measures within the government.
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A Night of Democratic Resistance
Green’s removal was not the only sign of opposition from Democrats during Trump’s speech. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic women wore pink in protest, highlighting how economic pressures under Trump’s leadership have impacted women. Several lawmakers also wore blue and yellow ties in solidarity with Ukraine, a country now facing a freeze in U.S. military aid following a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During the address, Democratic lawmakers displayed signs reading “False” and “Lies” in response to Trump’s claims. Others sat in silence, refusing to applaud as the president blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, and “radical left lunatics” for the nation’s struggles.
Despite his removal, Green remains defiant. He has vowed to continue fighting against Trump’s policies and is expected to introduce legislation aimed at protecting Medicaid and other social programs.
“This administration thrives on fear and division,” Green said. “But I will not be intimidated. I will continue to fight for justice, for fairness, and for the American people.”
As the political climate remains tense, Green’s dramatic stand serves as a reminder of the deep ideological rifts shaping the nation’s legislative battles. His removal from Trump’s address may have been symbolic, but it has only strengthened his resolve to challenge the administration’s policies in the weeks and months ahead.
