Representative Al Green of Texas was removed from the Congressional chamber during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, 2025, after voicing a protest against the President’s proposed cuts to Medicaid.
Green’s protest began as the President started his speech, creating a tense atmosphere in the chamber. Green, a Democrat, has a history of political discord with Trump.
Green’s protest was specifically focused on opposing the proposed cuts to Medicaid, a program serving approximately 80 million Americans.
Following his removal, Green explained that his actions were meant to stand against the President’s claims of a mandate. House leaders have since proposed that Green be censured for his conduct.
The disruption occurred amid a divided atmosphere, with visible tensions between Democrats and Republicans in the chamber.
Green, using his walking cane for emphasis, was drowned out by chants of “USA! USA!” from Republican members.
The Speaker of the House called for order and asked Green to take his seat. When Green refused, the Speaker ordered his removal by the Sergeant at Arms.
Green, first elected in 2004, has been a staunch opponent of Trump.
In 2017 and 2019, he introduced articles of impeachment against Trump. These actions were independent of party leadership but contributed to the broader impeachment proceedings initiated by the House under Nancy Pelosi.
Green’s commitment to his positions has been evident in other instances, such as when he left a hospital bed to vote against the impeachment of Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. His vote was crucial in initially halting the Republican-led impeachment effort.
During his protest, Green warned of the potential consequences of Republican budget proposals, not only for Medicaid but also for Medicare and Social Security.
He argued that these programs are vital for many Americans and that the proposed cuts would shift the focus from healthcare to what he termed “wealth care.”
