Democrats Disrupt Trump’s Joint Address, Sparking Outrage, Debate

President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday was marked by disruptions from some Democratic lawmakers, despite calls for decorum from within their own party, Fox News reports.

The incidents ignited a firestorm of controversy, highlighting the deep political divisions surrounding the president’s return to the national stage.

Shortly after Trump began his speech, Representative Al Green (D-TX), a long-time critic of the president, rose to his feet and began shouting, waving his cane. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) quickly intervened, warning:

“Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session.”

Johnson then specifically addressed Green, ordering him to take his seat. When Green refused, the Speaker directed the sergeant at arms to remove him from the chamber.

Green later told reporters that his outburst was a reaction to Trump’s claim of having a “mandate.”

“I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green said, “I want him to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid. He needs to save Medicaid, protect it.”

Green, who has previously filed impeachment articles against Trump over the situation in Gaza, also indicated his willingness to accept any consequences for his actions.

Before the speech even began, Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) staged a silent protest as Trump walked to the podium. Stansbury, the ranking member of the House DOGE subcommittee, held up a sign that read, “This is not normal.”

In response, Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) grabbed the sign from Stansbury and threw it. Gooden and other Republicans then stood across the aisle from Stansbury following the incident.

The disruptions occurred despite warnings from some Democrats against such behavior. Ian Sams, a former senior advisor to Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign, posted on X earlier in the day:

“Democrats: PLEASE do not do dumb sh– like this during Trump’s speech.”