Texas Congressman Al Green removed from Capitol chamber for disruption of Trump’s address to Congress

WASHINGTON - Longtime member of the Democratic Party and House Representative for Texas’ ninth congressional district Al Green was escorted out of the Capitol building during president Donald Trump’s address to Congress.

The address, while due to technical reasons not officially recognized as a State of the Union, was well underway when Congressman Green stood up from his chair and waved his cane at Trump in protest.

House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly ordered Green to be seated, whilst the Republicans in the room voraciously heckled the congressman and drowned out his protests chanting of “USA! USA! USA!”.

Green did not adhere to Johnson’s directive and was thus ordered escorted out of the building. Outside, Green spoke to the media and shed some insight into why he acted out.

“The president said he had a mandate, and I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” said Green.

“I want him to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid, he needs to save Medicaid, protect it”.

Green made it clear that Medicaid is among the safety net programs that people in his congressional district depend on; programs that have seen their funding called into question in recent months.

Green was not alone in fulfilling the role of a disgruntled opposition party, although he certainly caused the biggest scene.

In addition to Green’s protest, certain House lawmakers wore all pink to stand up for reproductive rights.

Additionally, Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury displayed a sign reading “This is NOT Normal” directly in front of the camera as Trump arrived to begin his speech.

Republican representative Lance Gooden of Texas ripped the sign out of Stansbury’s hands and tossed it into the crowd after exchanging a few words with Trump as he moved further into the congregation.

Others held up small black circular signs displaying messages such as “Musk Steals”, “Save Medicaid” and “False”.

On Wednesday, a censure resolution was put forth to reprimand Congressman Green.

The motion survived initial attempts at blockage from House Democrats, and will be voted on later in the week.

Green made it clear after learning of the censure resolution that he will accept any punishment doled out to him but firmly believes in the virtue of his protest.

“It's worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president's desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security."

Trip Tagle is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact them, please email tnt5403@psu.edu.