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- Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber for disrupting President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
- Green shouted “He has no mandate” as Trump spoke about his electoral victory.
- The incident sparked cheers from Republicans and criticism from Democrats.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
On March 5, 2025, Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was ejected from the House chamber after interrupting President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. This incident occurred just minutes into Trump’s speech when Green stood up and shouted, “He has no mandate,” in response to Trump’s comments on his electoral victory.
Core Players
- Rep. Al Green – Democratic Representative from Texas’ 9th Congressional District
- President Trump – Addressing a joint session of Congress
- House Speaker Mike Johnson – Ordered Green’s removal from the chamber
Key Numbers
- 11 terms – Al Green’s tenure in the House of Representatives
- 2009 – Year Rep. Joe Wilson was reprimanded for a similar outburst
- 25% and 10% – Tariffs imposed by Trump on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, respectively, mentioned in his speech
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The Catalyst
Rep. Al Green’s removal was triggered by his interruption of President Trump’s speech. As Trump discussed his electoral victory, Green stood up, pointed his cane at the president, and shouted, “He has no mandate.”
“It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up,” Green said after being removed from the chamber.
Inside Forces
The House chamber was filled with tension as Green’s outburst was met with a mix of reactions. Republicans cheered his removal, while some Democrats protested Trump’s speech by wearing “Resist” shirts and holding signs like “Protect Veterans” and “Save Medicaid.”
Speaker Mike Johnson warned Green to take his seat and respect the proceedings, but when Green refused, Johnson directed the House sergeant at arms to escort him out.
Power Dynamics
The incident highlights the ongoing political divide and tension between Democrats and Republicans. Green, a long-time critic of Trump, has previously filed impeachment articles against him and expressed his intention to pursue impeachment again.
Trump’s speech itself was marked by significant opposition, with some Democratic lawmakers shouting “January 6” as Trump mentioned law enforcement, referencing the 2021 Capitol riot.
Outside Impact
The removal and the broader context of the speech have broader implications for political discourse and congressional decorum. The event has sparked discussions about the limits of free speech in the House chamber and the appropriate actions of lawmakers during presidential addresses.
It also underscores the deep partisan divisions and the intense political climate currently prevailing in the U.S.
Future Forces
Green’s actions may lead to further disciplinary measures, including potential censure by the House. This would be a more severe sanction than the reprimand given to Rep. Joe Wilson in 2009 for a similar outburst.
The incident also sets a precedent for future interactions between lawmakers and the president during joint sessions of Congress, potentially influencing how such events are managed going forward.
Data Points
- March 5, 2025 – Date of the incident during Trump’s address to Congress
- Texas’ 9th Congressional District – Al Green’s constituency
- 11 terms – Al Green’s tenure in the House of Representatives
- 2009 – Year Rep. Joe Wilson was reprimanded for a similar outburst
The removal of Rep. Al Green from the House chamber highlights the deepening partisan rifts and the intense political climate in the U.S. As the country navigates these divisions, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining decorum and respectful dialogue in the legislative branch.
