A Dramatic Clash in Congress: Al Green Confronts Trump Over Impeachment and Policy
The political tensions in Washington reached a boiling point on Tuesday when Texas Democrat Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Green’s removal came after he repeatedly interrupted the president, shouting, "He has no mandate," during Trump’s speech. The incident marked another chapter in the long-standing feud between Green and Trump, with Green vowing to move forward with Articles of Impeachment against the president. This dramatic confrontation underscores the deepening political divisions in Washington, where impeachment has once again become a focal point of the national conversation.
Why It Matters: Impeachment and Political Divisions in Washington
The new impeachment effort led by Representative Al Green highlights the persistent political polarization in Washington. If Green’s impeachment articles were to pass the House, it would trigger yet another Senate trial, creating further disruption during Trump’s second term. Such a move could also shape the political narrative leading into the 2026 midterm elections, potentially influencing voter sentiment on issues like healthcare and immigration. While impeachment remains a contentious and complex process, its mere discussion signals the ongoing distrust and conflict between the two major political parties.
A Historic Moment: Al Green Interrupts Trump’s Speech
Representative Al Green made headlines on Tuesday by interrupting President Trump’s joint address to Congress, shouting, "He has no mandate," as Trump highlighted his electoral victory. Green’s outburst prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to order his removal from the chamber, a rare and unprecedented move during a presidential address. Green later told reporters that his actions were a protest against Trump’s proposed budget cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, as well as his plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. "I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid," Green said. "These are safety net programs that people in my congressional district depend on."
The Republican-controlled House recently approved a budget framework that includes deep cuts to Medicaid to fund a $4.5 trillion tax cut and support Trump’s deportation plans. Green, a vocal critic of Trump, argued that such cuts would harm vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and the elderly. "This is the richest country in the world," Green said, "and we have people who don’t have good health care. Healthcare has become wealth care."
Al Green: A Vocal Critic of Trump and Champion of Impeachment
Representative Al Green has been one of Trump’s most outspoken critics since the president’s first term. He has called for Trump’s impeachment multiple times, starting in 2019 when the Democratic-controlled House impeached Trump over his alleged attempt to pressure Ukraine to investigate then-candidate Joe Biden. Green also supported Trump’s second impeachment in January 2021, following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. However, Trump was acquitted by the Senate in both cases.
Green’s latest push for impeachment follows Trump’s recent comments about U.S. involvement in the Gaza Strip during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Green accused Trump of proposing "dastardly deeds" and announced his intention to bring new Articles of Impeachment to the House floor. "Ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not a joke," Green said. "I rise to announce that I will bring articles of impeachment against the president for dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done."
While Green’s efforts reflect his deep-seated opposition to Trump, they also highlight his reputation as a vocal advocate for impeachment. Over the years, Green has become a prominent figure in the movement to remove Trump from office, even as his efforts have faced skepticism from Democratic leadership.
The Chances of Impeachment: A Long Shot with Little Support
Despite Green’s determination, his impeachment effort faces significant hurdles. Democratic leaders in the House have not embraced his plan, with a senior House Democrat telling Axios that Green’s impeachment articles are unlikely to gain traction. Representative Pete Aguilar, a member of the Democratic Caucus, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This isn’t a focus of the Democratic Caucus." Additionally, the House Judiciary Committee, which would typically review impeachment resolutions, has not indicated any interest in pursuing Green’s initiative.
However, the constitutional possibility of impeaching a president multiple times remains on the table. There is no legal limit to how many times a president can be impeached by the House, and Green has made it clear that he intends to proceed with his plans. Still, the likelihood of Trump being removed from office remains exceedingly low, especially with Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate. Only three U.S. presidents have been impeached—Andrew Johnson in 1868, Bill Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump twice—and none were removed from office by the Senate.
What People Are Saying: Reactions to Green’s Impeachment Push
Reactions to Green’s impeachment effort have been mixed, reflecting the broader divides in American politics. Green himself has framed his actions as a defense of vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. "I have people who are very fearful," he said. "These are poor people, and they have only Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care."
Political analysts, meanwhile, have cautioned that impeachment efforts could backfire on Democrats if they are not strategically timed. Costas Panagopoulos, a political science professor at Northeastern University, noted that while impeachment is unlikely in the current political climate, Democrats must remain cautious. "If they do this too often, its effectiveness may wear off," Panagopoulos said. "They need to be cautious and strategic in pursuing impeachment against Trump."
What Happens Next: The Unlikely Path to Impeachment and Beyond
The chances of Trump being impeached and removed from office remain slim, particularly with Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress. However, the political landscape could shift dramatically in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has warned that if Democrats regain control of the House in 2026, they may launch yet another impeachment effort. "Hakeem Jeffries could be, will be, the speaker of the House in two years," Bannon predicted. "And the first thing he will do in the early days of 2027 is move to impeach Donald Trump."
While such predictions are speculative, they highlight the ongoing volatility of American politics. For now, Green’s impeachment push serves as a reminder of the deep divisions in Washington and the enduring controversies surrounding Trump’s presidency. Whether or not Green’s effort gains momentum, it is clear that the debate over Trump’s fitness for office will continue to shape the political conversation in the years to come.
