A Picture in 202 Words: Democrat Al Green interjects during Trump’s speech to Congress

This is a new series, A Picture in Words, where Crikey explains the broader context to a significant piece of photojournalism.

Mere minutes into Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress — in which the US president declared “America is back” before praising his administration’s directives and the actions of Elon Musk — Democratic Congressman Al Green stood up, waved his cane and shouted, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!”

As reported by The New York Times, the interjection of Congressman Green, aged 78, defies the entreaties that members refrain from disruptions, and was quickly drowned out by Republican colleagues, who jeered and began shouting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”

Seeking to quell the room, Speaker Mike Johnson declared, “Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the house and to cease any further disruptions. That’s your warning.” Applause erupted from Republicans as they stood and cheered.

Behind Trump, who remained silent during the commotion, Vice President JD Vance gestured with his thumb indicating “throw him out”.

Speaker Johnson requested Green to “take a seat”, but the Democrat congressman remained standing, raising his cane once more and shouting, “You have no mandate!”

Speaker Johnson then ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove Green, stating, “Remove this gentleman from the chamber!” before banging his gavel to the further applause of Republicans.

President Trump then continued his address, officially the longest-ever presidential speech to Congress.