Democrats Protest Against Trump’s Address to Congress: Rep. Al Green Removed for Heckling.
During President Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress in his second term, Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green became a central figure in a dramatic protest. Green was removed from the House chamber after heckling the president when he referenced his 2024 election win, claiming a mandate from the American people.
While opposition lawmakers have historically voiced discontent during presidential addresses, Green’s removal marked an unprecedented break from tradition. Standing up, he yelled that Trump did not have a mandate. Despite a warning from House Speaker Mike Johnson, Green refused to stop, leading to his escort out of the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.
Speaking to reporters outside the chamber,
Green explained his actions: “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up [to Trump].”
Other Democrats participated in quieter forms of protest. A group of women lawmakers, donning “Resist” T-shirts, walked out mid-speech. Several others also exited, while some waved signs reading “False.” Rep. Maxwell Frost was among those who left, wearing a shirt that boldly stated, “No kings live here.”
Frost expressed his pride in participating, drawing parallels to the student protests of the Civil Rights Movement. “In the spirit of student protestors from the Civil Rights Movement, I’m proud to have protested and walked out with many of my colleagues. This is NOT a normal time,” he wrote on social media.
As the minority party in both the Senate and the House, many Democrats have joined in protests, particularly in response to the Trump administration’s significant changes to federal policies and governance.
