Democratic Rep. Al Green ejected from House chamber for heckling Trump
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out of the House chamber on Tuesday for heckling President Trump during his address to a joint session of Congress.
Why it matters: It was a breach of decorum, followed by an unprecedented removal of a member of Congress from a presidential speech, that reflects Democrats' desire to show fierce resistance to Trump.
- Just minutes into Trump's speech, Green stood up and yelled, "Mr. President, you don't have a mandate!"
- Republicans immediately drowned him out by yelling "sit down" and chanting "U-S-A!" with Green attempting to continue shouting every time they finished.
- Eventually, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) instructed Green to "cease any further disruptions." When Green refused, Johnson ordered the House sergeant-at-arms to escort him out.
Zoom in: Green is one of the most staunchly anti-Trump members of Congress and has said he plans to introduce articles of impeachment against the president.
- He is largely alone in that crusade, with Democratic leadership distancing themselves from his efforts.
Zoom out: Green's outburst was part of a broader campaign of disruption waged by Democrats who believe their constituents want to see them ramp up their displays of opposition.
- Many Democrats held up signs reading "SAVE MEDICAID," "MUSK STEALS" and "LIES". Others wore shirts that said "RESIST" and "NO KING. NO COUP". One brandished a pocket Constitution.
- Trump was repeatedly heckled by Democrats shouting things like "that's a lie," though not to the same extent as Green.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
