Speaker Mike Johnson Advocates for Censure of Rep. Al Green Following Disruption During Trump’s Speech
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has called for the censure of Rep. Al Green (D-TX) due to what he described as “shameful” behavior during President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night. Johnson’s comments came shortly after Trump concluded his speech, during which Green was forcibly removed from the House chamber for his disruptive actions.
“Absolutely shameful. He should be censured,” Johnson stated in an interview with The Hill about the protest. “It’s a spectacle that was not needed. He’s made history in a regrettable way, and I hope he enjoys it.”
Johnson further remarked, “If they want to make a 77-year-old heckling Congressman the face of their resistance, if that’s the Democratic Party, so be it. But we will not tolerate it on the House floor.”
He expressed confidence that many House Republicans would support a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green for his disruptive protest, asserting that he would “absolutely” bring it to the floor for a vote.
The incident unfolded just minutes into Trump’s speech as the president addressed his “mandate” to govern. Green, a seasoned lawmaker with two decades of House experience, suddenly stood up and shouted in opposition, arguing that Trump had no mandate. In response, Republicans began chanting “USA” while security intervened to escort Green from the chamber.
As the disruption continued, Johnson pounded his gavel and instructed, “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House and cease any further disruptions. That’s your warning.”
He added, “Members are engaging in a willful and ongoing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session.”
“Mr. Green, take your seat,” Johnson ordered. “Take your seat, sir.”
When Green persisted in his outcry, Johnson called for the sergeant at arms to remove him from the chamber. Republicans responded by singing “Hey, hey, hey, goodbye” as Green was escorted out.
In an interview after his removal, Green defended his actions, stating, “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some who will stand up” to Trump.
House Republicans are expected to promptly introduce a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green for his disruptive conduct during the president’s address, according to The Hill.
Before the speech, the House Freedom Caucus had issued a warning that any Democratic lawmaker who disrupted the president would face censure.
“The President’s address to tonight’s joint session of Congress is a constitutional obligation — not a sideshow for Democrats to disrupt with noise, threats, or disturbances. Our colleagues are on notice that the heckler’s veto will not be tolerated,” the group declared. “You will be censured. We expect the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police to take appropriate action against any Members of Congress or other persons violating House rules.”
In a post-speech interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Johnson reiterated that a censure vote was likely.
Criticism of Green’s actions was not confined to Republicans. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) told The Hill that he found the Texas Democrat’s outburst “counterproductive.”
“I think it’s fine to express that he doesn’t have a mandate to cut Medicare, but it went beyond decorum,” Coons remarked.
