During President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, Representative Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out after a vocal protest. Green interrupted the President, challenging his claims of a mandate and expressing concerns over potential Medicaid cuts.
As President Trump spoke about his administration’s policies, Green stood and shouted, “You don’t have a mandate!” He continued, accusing the President of lacking authority to reduce Medicaid funding. Republican members responded by chanting “USA! USA!” attempting to drown out Green’s protests.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) intervened, requesting Green to desist and remain seated. When Green persisted, Johnson ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove him from the chamber. Green was escorted out amid mixed reactions from fellow lawmakers.
Background on Representative Al Green
Representative Green has served Texas’s 9th congressional district since 2005. He has been an outspoken critic of President Trump, having introduced multiple articles of impeachment during Trump’s previous term. Green’s legislative focus includes advocating for fair housing and civil rights.
In reaction to Green’s outburst, House Republicans, led by the Freedom Caucus, initiated censure proceedings. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) introduced a resolution stating Green “violated the rules of decorum.” The resolution seeks to formally reprimand Green for his actions during the President’s address.
If the censure resolution passes, Green would join a short list of House members censured in recent history. The measure requires a simple majority in the House, where Republicans currently hold a narrow lead.
Justification and Ongoing Debate
Green has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources close to the Congressman indicate his protest stemmed from concerns over proposed Medicaid reductions. Green believes such cuts would adversely affect low-income communities. citeturn0news2
The incident underscores the deep partisan divisions within Congress. While some view Green’s actions as a necessary stand against policies they deem harmful, others see it as a breach of legislative decorum. The upcoming censure vote will further highlight these contrasting perspectives.
As the House prepares to vote on the censure resolution, the broader implications for congressional conduct and protest are in focus. Green’s actions have sparked discussions about the appropriate avenues for dissent within the legislative process. The outcome of the censure vote may set a precedent for how similar incidents are addressed in the future.
In the meantime, the nation watches as its elected officials navigate the balance between passionate advocacy and adherence to institutional protocols.