WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) is removed from the chamber as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas 9th District, was escorted out of the House chamber Tuesday night after interrupting President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.

A longtime advocate for Trump’s impeachment, Green stood and waved his cane toward the president within minutes of the speech’s start. His actions sparked a mix of cheers and boos from lawmakers, briefly disrupting the proceedings.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 04: Rep. Al Green (D-TX) shouts out as U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

As the commotion grew, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., intervened by reminding members of the chamber’s rules.

“Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House and to cease any further disruptions,” Johnson stated, specifically addressing Green. As security moved to escort the Texas Democrat out, Republican lawmakers began chanting, “Nah nah nah nah, goodbye.”

Green Defends His Actions

Outside the chamber, Green defended his outburst, telling NBC News that he spoke up as “a person of conscience.” He criticized Trump’s policies, particularly the proposed budget’s impact on Medicaid.

“This whole budget that he has is one that is going to cause Medicaid to be cut,” Green said. “When he said he had a mandate, it triggered something. It really did. Because he doesn’t have a mandate, and he doesn’t have a mandate to cut health care from poor people.”

Protests and Silent Statements in the Chamber

Green’s removal wasn’t the only sign of dissent during Trump’s speech. Many Democratic lawmakers used their attire and accessories to signal opposition.

Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wore pink in protest of Trump’s policies on women and families. Others sported blue and yellow ties in a show of solidarity with Ukraine, following a recent tense meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 04: Rep. Al Green (D-TX) shouts out as U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Several Democrats also displayed stickers accusing billionaire Elon Musk of “stealing Social Security.” Musk, who has been scrutinizing Social Security’s finances as part of a government efficiency initiative, has previously called the program a “Ponzi scheme.”

Additionally, some lawmakers held black paddles bearing messages like “SAVE MEDICAID,” “PROTECT VETERANS,” and “MUSK STEALS.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., went a step further, holding up a whiteboard that read, “THAT’S A LIE.”