A Night of Chaos and Protest in the House Chamber: Rep. Al Green Removed During Trump’s Speech
Introduction: A Night of High Tensions and Unrest
The House chamber erupted into chaos on Tuesday night as President Donald Trump delivered his joint address to Congress. The evening was marked by disruptions, protests, and a dramatic removal of Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who has long been a vocal advocate for Trump’s impeachment. Green’s actions, which included standing and shaking his cane toward the president, sparked both cheers and boos from lawmakers, creating a tense and unpredictable atmosphere. The disruption was so severe that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., intervened, reading from House rules to restore order and ultimately calling for Green’s removal. As the Texas representative was escorted out of the chamber, Republicans chanted, "Nah nah nah nah, goodbye," further fueling the contentious energy in the room.
Rep. Al Green’s Dramatic Protest and Removal
Rep. Al Green, a staunch critic of President Trump, made his opposition clear from the start of the speech. Within the opening minutes of Trump’s address, Green stood up, shaking his cane in the direction of the president. This act of defiance immediately drew attention, with some Democratic lawmakers cheering him on while others, including Republicans, voiced their disapproval. The disruption was significant enough to pause Trump’s speech, prompting Speaker Johnson to step in. Johnson reminded the chamber of House rules, emphasizing the importance of decorum and ordering members to cease any further disruptions. When Green refused to sit down or allow the president to continue, Johnson called for the Sergeant at Arms to escort Green out of the chamber. As Green left, the scene became even more animated, with Republican members chanting in unison, "Nah nah nah nah, goodbye."
A Chamber Filled with Signs of Protest and Pushback
While Rep. Green’s removal was the most dramatic moment of the evening, the House chamber was filled with other signs of protest and pushback against President Trump. Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wore pink to express their opposition to Trump’s policies on women and families, a visible and unified statement of dissent. Other Democrats dontned blue and yellow ties in a show of solidarity with Ukraine, just days after a tense meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Additionally, some Democratic members sported stickers accusing billionaire Elon Musk of “stealing Social Security,” a reference to Musk’s criticism of the program, which he has called a “Ponzi scheme.”
Creative and Symbolic Protests: From Paddles to Whiteboards
The protests extended beyond clothing and stickers, with some lawmakers using props to convey their messages. Several Democrats held black paddles with bold, provocative phrases such as “SAVE MEDICAID,” “PROTECT VETERANS,” and “MUSK STEALS.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., took a more direct approach, holding up a whiteboard that read “THAT’S A LIE” during Trump’s speech. These creative and symbolic acts of defiance highlighted the deep divisions within the chamber and the willingness of Democratic lawmakers to use unconventional methods to express their opposition to the president’s policies and rhetoric.
A Call for Decorum: House Democratic Leaders Urge Restraint
Despite the widespread protests, House Democratic leaders had urged their members to maintain decorum during the speech. In a closed-door party meeting earlier in the day, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., specifically asked members to avoid using “props” to protest Trump’s address. Similarly, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., encouraged Democrats to stay focused on the people affected by Trump’s policies, rather than drawing attention to themselves. However, these calls for restraint were largely ignored, as many lawmakers chose to use the occasion to voice their dissent increative and often disruptive ways.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Deeper Divisions in Washington
Tuesday night’s events in the House chamber were more than just a series of chaotic moments; they reflected the deeper divisions and tensions that continue to define Washington. Rep. Al Green’s removal, the colorful protests, and the symbolic acts of defiance all underscored the intense opposition to President Trump and his policies. At the same time, the evening highlighted the challenges faced by Democratic leaders in maintaining unity and decorum within their own ranks. As the political landscape continues to evolve, moments like these remind us of the passion, polarization, and unpredictability that define American politics today.
About the Reporters
This report was compiled by a team of experienced journalists, including Henry J. Gomez, a senior national political reporter for NBC News; Frank Thorp V, a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress; and Scott Wong, a senior congressional reporter for NBC News, with contributions from Melanie Zanona.
