A tense moment unfolded in Congress on Tuesday night as Texas Representative Al Green was removed from the chamber for interrupting former President Donald Trump during his address to a joint session.
According to the BBC, Green, a Democrat, stood up and repeatedly shouted, “You have no mandate” as Trump began speaking about his electoral performance.
Waving his cane and pointing his finger, Green’s outburst prompted a loud reaction from Republican lawmakers, some of whom cheered while others sang, “Na na na. Hey hey hey! Goodbye!” as he was escorted out by the Sergeant at Arms.
Green’s protest was a direct response to Trump’s claim that his presidency had shifted public sentiment in a historic way. “Now, for the first time in modern history, more Americans believe that our country is headed in the right direction than the wrong direction—an astonishing record 27-point swing since Election Day alone,” Trump declared.
After being removed, Green stopped to speak with reporters outside the chamber. “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up,” he said, adding that he was unsure if he would face any formal consequences for his actions.
He was not alone in his protest. Several Democratic lawmakers staged walkouts, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who quipped to reporters on his way out, “My speech will be better.”
California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove also made her stance clear, announcing on social media that she had walked out of Trump’s address in protest. “There’s only so much bullshit a person can tolerate,” she wrote.
In a more detailed statement, Kamlager-Dove condemned Trump’s policy agenda, particularly his proposed cuts to Medicaid and social programs. “How dare Donald Trump enter the People’s House, look us in the eyes, and lie straight to our faces,” she wrote.
She went on to criticize Trump’s economic priorities, stating, “I won’t sit down and watch as he slashes the programs that keep my constituents alive so he can turn the Billionaire Boys Club into the Trillionaire Boys Club.”
Calling Trump the “Commander-in-chaos,” she accused him of failing to support working Americans. “If he truly cared, he wouldn’t be firing the people who process disaster relief or send out Social Security checks,” she said.
Her statement ended with a pointed rebuke: “Stop the lies, stop the cheating, and stop the stealing—enough is enough. The American people deserve better.”
