Democrats staged a protest during President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on Tuesday. Some held up signs saying “No King!” and “Save Medicaid,” while others turned their backs on him as he spoke.
One lawmaker, Representative Al Green of Texas, even shouted against Trump’s plans to cut government aid programs.
Green, who has been pushing to impeach Trump, interrupted the speech early on. He claimed Trump had no right to reduce safety net programs like Medicaid, which helps low-income people with health insurance.
House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly ordered security to remove Green from the room. As Green was escorted out, he waved his cane in the air while Republicans cheered.
Afterward, Green told reporters that it was important to protest because Trump wanted to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
The protest didn’t stop there. As Trump’s speech stretched to an hour and 30 minutes—making it the longest of its kind—many Democrats left the chamber. By the end of the 100-minute speech, almost all Democrats had walked out, while Republicans gave Trump a standing ovation.
Trump brushed off the protests. “There is nothing I can say to make Democrats happy,” he said.