During President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday, Democratic Representative Al Green from Texas was removed from the House chamber after heckling the president. As Trump began what became the longest presidential address to Congress in modern times, Green rose to his feet, waving his cane, and shouted, “You don’t have a mandate”. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant-at-arms to escort the 78-year-old Texas representative out of the hall. Johnson stated that members were engaging in a willful disruption of decorum and directed the sergeant-at-arms to restore order and remove Green from the chamber. Prior to his removal, Republicans responded to Green’s protest with chants of “USA”. Other Democrats protested Trump’s address in different ways, including wearing “Resist” T-shirts and holding signs that read “False”.

Green, who had previously advocated for Trump’s impeachment during the former president’s first term, told reporters that it was essential to voice his concerns, even if it led to repercussions from House leadership, who subsequently called for his censure. Green said that the president was asserting that he had a mandate and was making clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid, alluding to the healthcare program utilized by 80 million predominantly low-income Americans. Following the incident, Green stated that Trump “does not have the authority to slash Medicaid,” and revealed that he is drafting articles of impeachment against the president.

During his address, Trump boasted about his electoral victory and ridiculed his opponents. He also accused Democrats of overlooking the “common sense revolution” initiated by his administration and addressed his adversaries in the audience with disdain, boasting about his electoral victory and ridiculing them for avoiding prosecution. Trump also repeated falsehoods and exaggerated claims, prompting reactions from Democrats in attendance. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was seen shaking her head and remarking, “That’s not true,” as Trump went through debunked assertions about the ages of Social Security recipients.

In response to Trump’s address, Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan delivered the Democratic response, criticizing Elon Musk and arguing that Trump’s economic strategy would primarily benefit billionaires while imposing costs on ordinary Americans. She also asserted that the nation does not require the disorder stemming from his DOGE-related budget cuts. Slotkin cautioned that Trump risked pushing the country into a recession and could threaten Social Security, referencing Musk’s characterization of the program as a “Ponzi scheme”. She urged Americans to remain engaged against Trump’s divisive agenda.