Not long after Trump commenced his lengthy address, the Representative from Texas rose and declared that the president lacked a mandate.
Democratic Representative Al Green was not the first lawmaker to voice dissent during a presidential address to Congress, but he may be the only one in recent memory to be removed from the chamber by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on a particular Tuesday evening.
Just as Donald Trump began what is considered the longest presidential speech to Congress in modern history, Green stood up using his walking cane, and forcefully stated, “You don’t have a mandate.”
In response, Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican, retorted, “Sit your a** down!” despite Green staying on his feet.
In the midst of shouting from angry Republicans, Speaker Johnson directed the sergeant at arms to escort the 78-year-old Texas lawmaker out.
`Finding that members continue to engage in willful and concerted disruption of proper decorum, the chair now directs the sergeant-at-arms to restore order.`The chair instructed the sergeant-at-arms to remove the gentleman from the chamber.
Green, who had previously called for Trump’s impeachment during Trump’s first term, stated afterward that he found it crucial to make his point, even if it meant facing censure from House leaders.
`The president was saying he had a mandate, and I was making it clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,` Green told reporters, referencing the healthcare program used by approximately 80 million mainly low-income Americans.
Medicaid has been a critical issue for Democrats, who are concerned about potential cuts to funding under Republican leadership.
`It’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president,` said Green.
Green’s outburst set the stage for a tense evening, with disapproving Democrats quietly sitting on one side of the chamber and boisterous Republicans on the other.
Some Democrats held up signs with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans,” aiming to highlight policies they believe could help them regain a majority.
Other Democratic lawmakers adopted a subtle form of protest through a collective choice of fashion: Pink clothing.
Multiple female legislators, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, chose to wear outfits in pink during the Republican president’s speech. This color choice created a display of unity and solidarity in a room predominantly filled with blue and grey suits.
Just as Donald Trump began what is considered the longest presidential speech to Congress in modern history, Green stood up using his walking cane, and forcefully stated, “You don’t have a mandate.”
In response, Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican, retorted, “Sit your a** down!” despite Green staying on his feet.
In the midst of shouting from angry Republicans, Speaker Johnson directed the sergeant at arms to escort the 78-year-old Texas lawmaker out.
`Finding that members continue to engage in willful and concerted disruption of proper decorum, the chair now directs the sergeant-at-arms to restore order.`The chair instructed the sergeant-at-arms to remove the gentleman from the chamber.
Green, who had previously called for Trump’s impeachment during Trump’s first term, stated afterward that he found it crucial to make his point, even if it meant facing censure from House leaders.
`The president was saying he had a mandate, and I was making it clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,` Green told reporters, referencing the healthcare program used by approximately 80 million mainly low-income Americans.
Medicaid has been a critical issue for Democrats, who are concerned about potential cuts to funding under Republican leadership.
`It’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president,` said Green.
Green’s outburst set the stage for a tense evening, with disapproving Democrats quietly sitting on one side of the chamber and boisterous Republicans on the other.
Some Democrats held up signs with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans,” aiming to highlight policies they believe could help them regain a majority.
Other Democratic lawmakers adopted a subtle form of protest through a collective choice of fashion: Pink clothing.
Multiple female legislators, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, chose to wear outfits in pink during the Republican president’s speech. This color choice created a display of unity and solidarity in a room predominantly filled with blue and grey suits.
