Rep. Al Green Removed from House Chamber After Heckling President Trump During State of the Union

By: Chris Richardson

(WASHINGTON) — Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was removed from the House chamber Tuesday night after interrupting President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address with a protest against proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

As Trump spoke about his 2024 election victory and claimed he had been given a mandate by the American people, Green stood and shouted, “He has no mandate to cut Medicaid!” The Texas congressman continued yelling as he decried potential reductions to key social programs, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to issue a warning. When Green refused to stop, he was escorted out by the Sergeant at Arms.

Though lawmakers in the opposition party have been vocal from their seats during past presidential addresses, Green’s removal marked a stark departure from tradition.

Outside the chamber, Green defended his actions, saying he felt compelled to speak out on behalf of his constituents.

“I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green told reporters. “I have people who are very fearful—these are poor people, and Medicaid is their only lifeline for health care. The president’s budget calls for deep cuts, and he needs to save and protect it.”

Green also voiced concerns about Social Security and Medicare, warning that the proposed budget could put millions of Americans at risk.

“These are safety net programs my district depends on, but this president seems more concerned with how many people he can remove from them rather than protecting those in need,” he said.

A longtime critic of Trump, Green remained defiant about any potential consequences.

“I’m willing to suffer whatever punishment is available to me,” he said. “This is about the people who are being punished by losing their health care. This is the richest country in the world, yet millions don’t have access to good health care. We have to do better.”

Green also reiterated his call for Trump’s removal from office, citing his past impeachments and legal troubles.

“This president is unfit,” Green said. “Thirty-four felony convictions, two impeachments—he should not hold office.”

The White House has not commented on Green’s removal.