‘This is not normal’: Acts of protest at Donald Trump’s address – National

U.S. President Donald Trump was forced to weather numerous interruptions from his political opponents during his lengthy 100-minute joint address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Since taking office 44 days ago, Trump has doubled down on his promise to strip back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, has attempted to freeze government subsidies to major health care service providers such as Medicaid and moved to dismantle the Department of Education.

In addition, he has tried to halt funding to international aid programs such as USAID, has banned transgender troops from the military and slammed Canada, Mexico and China with sweeping tariffs, prompting a trade war that experts warn will likely result in widespread economic turmoil.

Trump began his speech by briefly addressing the newly instated levies.

“Tariffs will make America great again, and it’s happening and it will happen rather quickly,” he assured Congress, adding that there will be “a little disturbance,” at first.

Global stocks plummeted on Tuesday as tariffs came into effect. In light of his recent actions and claims, Democrats took it upon themselves to stand up to the president and his party.

Here’s a breakdown of the protests.

Al Green fights health care cuts

During the opening minutes of Trump’s address, Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, stood and argued that Trump did not have a mandate to cut social safety net funding.

Green was told by House Speaker Mike Johnson “to cease any further disruptions” before being warned of his imminent removal.

Green’s attempt to be heard was drowned out by Republican party members yelling at him to “sit down,” followed by a loud applause as Johnson reminded all in attendance of their responsibility to maintain “decorum.”

The incident ended in Green being escorted from the chamber by the House Sergeant at Arms.

Green told reporters afterward: “It’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.”