SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, has drawn significant online criticism after an intense exchange during a congressional hearing where he accused Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin of racism and repeatedly told him to “shut up.”
The incident occurred when Secretary Mullin began to defend himself against Green’s accusations. Green, known for his persistent efforts to impeach former President Donald Trump, abruptly cut Mullin off.
“Shut up,” Green stated forcefully.
This moment quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation on social media. The Republican National Committee’s official X account shared a clip of the exchange, labeling it “UNHINGED.”
The reactions highlight a pattern of Green’s often theatrical protests against the Trump administration, which have frequently become viral online sensations. These instances raise questions about the effectiveness of such pushback and the risk of attracting unwanted attention.
Green, 80, recently lost his primary election to challenger Christian Menefee. This outcome followed a redistricting map that placed the two Democratic lawmakers in a head-to-head contest for the 18th Congressional District of Texas.
Throughout his career, Green has established himself as a staunch opponent of the Trump administration. He has led at least six impeachment efforts and urged his Democratic colleagues to more vocally resist the president’s agenda.
Earlier this year, Green was removed from a State of the Union Address for displaying a sign that read, “black people aren’t apes.” This was the second time he had been removed from such an event.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Green referenced the sign incident, noting that then-Senator Mullin had been among Republicans who attempted to take his sign. Green presented a photograph of the moment.
“A racist would depict people of color as apes. A racist would take offense at a peaceful protest. This was a peaceful protest, Mr. Secretary,” Green asserted, holding up the photo.
As Mullin attempted to interject, Green continued to demand that he be silenced. When Mullin persisted, Green appealed to the Republican chairman to enforce his compliance.
“Reclaiming my time. Ask him to shut up. It’s my time. Tell him to shut up,” Green insisted.
Political commentator Benny Johnson criticized Green’s attempt to prevent Mullin from responding. Johnson shared his views on X.
“This is the modern Democratic Party in one clip. Green’s response? ‘Shut up, up, up, up. Shut up.’ No respect. No argument. No facts. No substance. Just ‘shut up’ and a temper tantrum. This is all they have left,” Johnson commented.
The conservative influencer account Libs of TikTok also deemed the incident an embarrassment for the Democratic party.
“Rep. Al Green (D) has a complete MELTDOWN, calling DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin a ‘racist’ before telling him to ‘SHUT UP’ Thank God this unhinged lunatic was voted out,” the account posted.
Conservative media personality Eric Daugherty also expressed satisfaction with Green’s impending departure from Congress.
“Insufferable Rep. Al Green (D) just went on a BERSERK RANT and DHS Sec. Mullin took NO BS,” Daugherty wrote. “Al Green just lost his House seat. GOOD RIDDANCE!”
Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., eventually brought the hearing to order.
“No — the gentleman will suspend,” Garbarino stated. “There will be no addressing anyone’s character in a negative way.”
Before proceedings resumed, Mullin made a pointed remark directed at Green.
“Evidently, his constituents heard enough of him because they voted him out,” Mullin said.
Despite instructions to refrain from personal attacks, Green continued his remarks.
“I will speak into the microphone so that I may be heard. I ask that any person who desires to interrupt me shut up,” Green concluded.
