Al Green, a U.S. representative from Texas’ 9th congressional district, made headlines when he was removed from President Trump’s joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. The incident occurred after Green repeatedly interrupted the president’s speech, causing a stir among lawmakers.
Shortly after President Trump began his address, Green stood up from his seat and shouted, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid,” prompting boos from the Republican side of Congressional Hall. The disruption escalated as Republicans started chanting “USA, USA, USA,” while Green continued to voice his opposition to the proposed Medicaid cuts.
Despite attempts by President Trump to continue his speech, the commotion persisted, leading House Speaker Mike Johnson to intervene. Johnson issued a warning, reminding members to maintain decorum and cease any further disruptions. However, Green remained defiant, reiterating his stance on the Medicaid cuts and disregarding the warning from the House Speaker.
As the situation escalated, Johnson called for the sergeant at arms to remove Green from the joint session. The move was met with some Republicans singing the chorus from the 1969 hit song, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.”
Green’s protest stemmed from a budget resolution supported by House Republicans, which included significant cuts to the Medicaid program totaling $880 billion over the next decade. Speaking to reporters after being escorted out of the joint session, Green emphasized the importance of protecting Medicaid for vulnerable populations who rely on the program for healthcare.
“I have people in my district who are very fearful. These are individuals who depend solely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. We must prioritize saving and protecting Medicaid, as well as raising the cap on Social Security to prevent any potential harm to these safety net programs,” Green stated.
The incident involving Al Green at President Trump’s joint session of Congress highlighted the ongoing debate over budget cuts and the impact on essential social programs. The clash underscored the deep divide among lawmakers and the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in policy decisions.
