President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress was met with both applause and protests, igniting a firestorm of responses across the political spectrum. The interruptions, led by Rep. Al Green (D-TX), were quickly countered by chants of "USA" from within the chamber.
Conservative voices on social media largely condemned the actions of Rep. Green and other protesting Democrats, characterizing their behavior as disruptive and unbecoming. Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, for example, criticized the Democrats on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that such actions are counterproductive. Similar sentiments were echoed by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and American Encore President Sean Noble, who labeled the protests as "disgraceful," "shameful," and a deliberate attempt to gain attention.
Conversely, some viewed Rep. Green's actions as heroic, with progressive writer and former Hillary Clinton advisor Charlotte Clymer expressing support on Twitter. Others, like the account "Dear White Staffers," encouraged further disruptions. Speaker Mike Johnson ultimately directed the Sergeant at Arms to remove Rep. Green from the chamber, a move met with cheers from Republicans and observed silence from many Democrats.
Rep. Green, a frequent critic of the president, had previously initiated impeachment proceedings against Trump. The demonstration during the address wasn't isolated; other displays of dissent included Democratic women wearing pink and Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) briefly holding a sign reading "This is not normal" before it was taken by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX).
