Photo Credit:Associated Press
Capitol Hill turned into a scene straight out of a political drama as Democratic Congressman Al Green was forcibly removed from the chamber after interrupting President Donald Trump’s speech. The unexpected outburst occurred when Trump, addressing a joint session of Congress, declared his 2024 election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris as _“a mandate like has not been seen in many decades.”_
Green, an 11-term representative from Texas and longtime Trump critic, wasn’t having it. _“You have no mandate!”_ he shouted, cutting through the formal address and drawing immediate reactions from both sides of the aisle. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) swiftly attempted to restore order, instructing Green to take his seat. When the congressman refused, Johnson invoked House rules, directing the sergeant at arms to remove him.
What followed was a spectacle rarely seen in Congress. As security escorted Green from the chamber, Republican lawmakers broke into a mocking chant of _“Nah nah nah nah, goodbye.”_ The scene, reminiscent of a heated sports stadium rather than a government institution, underscored the deep political divisions that have only intensified since Trump’s return to power.
Once outside, Green wasted no time justifying his actions to the press. _“As a person of conscience, I cannot stand by while this president falsely claims a mandate to push an agenda that will hurt millions,”_ he said. He specifically criticized Trump’s proposed budget, arguing that it would slash Medicaid and harm vulnerable communities.
Green’s protest didn’t come out of nowhere. He has been a vocal opponent of Trump for years, even filing impeachment articles against him during his first term for what he called _“high misdemeanors.”_ And he hasn’t backed down since Trump’s controversial comeback. In January, after Trump was sworn in for his second term, Green publicly renewed his calls for impeachment, arguing that _“a constitutionally unfit president puts society at greater risk.”_
Trump, who has already made history as the only U.S. president to be impeached twice (and acquitted twice), is no stranger to political brawls. His latest speech was meant to solidify his stance as a leader with an undeniable mandate, but Green’s dramatic interruption ensured that a different narrative took center stage.
As Congress continues to battle over Trump’s policies, one thing is clear: the political fireworks aren’t stopping anytime soon. And if Green has his way, neither will the resistance.
