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Congressman Al Green sat down with Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy on The Breakfast Club for a powerful discussion about his recent viral moment in Congress, where he was removed from the chamber after protesting Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Green opened up about his motivations, the future of the Democratic Party, and why he believes politicians need to show more courage.
During Trump’s recent address to Congress, Green was prepared to leave the session early, but when Trump declared he had a mandate to cut Medicaid, Green spontaneously stood up and shouted:
“You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!”
The Speaker of the House quickly admonished him, ordering him to sit down. When Green repeated his statement, he was forcibly removed from the chamber. However, Green says he has no regrets.
“I was prepared to suffer the consequences,” Green told The Breakfast Club. “Medicaid means so much to so many people. One in every five people in this country relies on it. If we lose Medicaid, we lose lives.”
Calling Out Injustice in Congress
Green pointed out the double standard in how he was treated compared to Republican politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Joe Wilson, who have interrupted Democratic presidents without facing consequences.
“There is still invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives,” he said, referencing his experiences growing up in the segregated South. “I know what discrimination looks like, smells like, and sounds like. And what happened to me was discrimination.”
Charlamagne questioned why no other Democrats stood with Green or walked out with him, calling it a sign of weakness in the party.
“I was standing for the people who couldn’t stand for themselves,” Green responded. “Would I have stood with someone else if they did it? Absolutely. But I can only control my own actions.”
Is the Democratic Party Too Weak?
Charlamagne pressed Green on why Democrats never seem to fight back the way Republicans do, even when they hold power. Green admitted that the party failed to deliver on key promises, including:
- Passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act
- Approving the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
- Raising the minimum wage
“We had the House, the Senate, and the presidency in 2021, and we didn’t deliver,” Green acknowledged. “I understand why people lost enthusiasm. We made promises and didn’t keep them.”
However, Green argued that the solution isn’t giving up, but rather showing more courage.
“Republicans fight for their agenda, even if it costs them power. Democrats need to do the same,” he said.
The Fight for Medicaid and Social Security
Green warned that Trump’s policies could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans, especially those who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
He criticized Republican plans to raise the retirement age, pointing out that Black men already have a lower life expectancy and could end up paying into Social Security without ever receiving benefits.
“We have to fight to protect these programs, because without them, people will die,” he emphasized.
Threats and Security Concerns
Green revealed that since his protest, he has received increased threats, with some people even suggesting he should be lynched.
“They think I should wear a rope as a necktie,” he said. “But when you sign up for this work, you have to accept that these things happen. That doesn’t mean I won’t protect myself, but I won’t back down either.”
Final Thoughts: “We Have to Get in the Way”
Despite the risks, Green remains committed to standing up for what he believes is right, even if he stands alone.
“John Lewis always said you have to get in the way—good trouble. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” Green said.
His message to Democrats? Stop being afraid. Stop worrying about political strategy. Start fighting for the people who elected you.
Watch the Full Interview
Rep. Al Green’s full interview on The Breakfast Club is available now. Check it out for an unfiltered conversation about politics, protest, and the fight for justice.
