On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, an event intended to outline his administration's agenda and set the tone for his second term. Yet, barely into the speech, Representative Al Green (D-Texas) chose to make himself the story. Standing in the House chamber, shouting objections, and waving his cane at the President, Green disrupted the proceedings in a manner that was as theatrical as it was unbecoming of a sitting member of Congress. Honestly, nobody watching at home could understand what he was saying and he just looked like crazy homeless guy was pulled off the street and put in a suit to yell at the President. His actions forced House Speaker Mike Johnson to call for the sergeant-at-arms to escort him out, a rare and embarrassing rebuke that underscored the depths of Green’s disregard for basic decorum and civility.

Green’s outburst, reportedly centered on his claim that Trump has "no mandate" to enact his policies, was not just a breach of protocol; it was a calculated stunt that disrespected the institution he serves and the millions of Americans who tuned in to hear the President’s address. Congress, for all its flaws, operates on a foundation of rules designed to ensure civil discourse, even amid sharp disagreement. By refusing to sit down after repeated warnings from Speaker Johnson, Green crossed a line from passionate dissent into juvenile grandstanding. His removal, met with cheers from Republicans and chants of “USA! USA!”, was a predictable consequence of his refusal to uphold the dignity of the chamber.

What’s particularly galling is Green’s post-ejection justification. Speaking to reporters, he framed his behavior as a noble stand against Trump’s alleged plans to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, declaring, "It's worth it to let people know that some of us will stand up." This self-righteous spin conveniently ignores the reality: Green had countless avenues to voice his opposition—through press conferences, floor speeches, or legislative action—without turning a joint session into his personal soapbox. Instead, he opted for a spectacle that achieved little beyond alienating colleagues and reinforcing partisan divides.

This isn’t Green’s first rodeo. A vocal critic of Trump since the former president’s first term, Green has a history of pushing for impeachment and staking out uncompromising positions. Fair enough—politics is a contact sport, and conviction matters. But there’s a difference between principled resistance and petulant disruption. Shouting down a speech with a cane in hand isn’t courage; it's a tantrum. It's the kind of behavior one might expect from a protester outside the Capitol, not a seasoned lawmaker inside it.

The hypocrisy here is also worth noting. Imagine the outrage from Democrats if a Republican, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, had pulled a similar stunt during a Biden address. The same voices now praising Green’s "bravery" would likely be decrying the erosion of norms and the coarsening of political discourse. Consistency matters, and Green’s defenders risk undermining their own credibility by excusing his antics while condemning similar breaches from the other side.

Beyond the optics, Green’s actions were ineffective. Did his outburst change a single mind? Did it advance the cause he claims to champion? Hardly. If anything, it handed Trump’s supporters a gift: a vivid example of the "unhinged left" they love to rail against. The President, pausing briefly before continuing his speech, emerged unscathed, while Green exited to a chorus of jeers. If the goal was to spotlight Trump’s policies, Green succeeded only in spotlighting himself—and not in a flattering light.

Congress isn’t a perfect place, and joint sessions are often fraught with tension. But they’re also a rare moment when the nation’s leaders gather to hear a unifying message, however contentious. Green’s decision to hijack that moment wasn’t just disrespectful to Trump—it was disrespectful to his colleagues, his constituents, and the democratic process itself. He owes them an apology, not a martyr’s pose.

The American people deserve better than lawmakers who prioritize personal theatrics over substantive debate. Representative Al Green had a choice on March 4: to engage as a statesman or to act out as a showman. He chose the latter, and in doing so, diminished both himself and the institution he represents.