House Freedom Caucus threatens to censure Rep. Al Green for heckling Trump during joint session of Congress

The House Freedom Caucus says it plans to introduce a resolution censuring Democratic Rep. Al Green for heckling President Trump’s joint session of Congress, a breach of decorum Republicans are calling “shameful.”

In an X post shortly after the disruption, the HFC wrote on X that the joint session is a “constitutional obligation — not a sideshow for Democrats to use noisemakers, make threats, throw things or otherwise disrupt,” they wrote.

“Our colleagues are on notice that the heckler’s veto will not be tolerated. 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.”

Green, 77, stood up and began heckling Trump within minutes of his fiery Tuesday night speech, shouting that the president has no mandate to serve while aggressively waving his cane in the direction of the podium.

The Texas rep was warned by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who banged his gavel and urged the long-serving congressman to “cease any further disruptions,” punctuating his admonishment with “that’s your warning.”

He continued his antics, prompting Johnson to issue one final warning to direct the sergeant of arms to restore order to the session.

“Mr. Green, take your seat,” Johnson said. “Take your seat, sir.”

When Green refused to stop yelling, Johnson ordered him removed from the House chamber, Republicans taunting him on his way out with a chorus of “hey, hey, hey, goodbye.”

He later told reporters he stood by his disruption, saying, “it’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up” to Trump.

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Stephen Collopy

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