A confrontation broke out between a House Republican and a House Democrat over a sign protesting President Trump before his speech to Congress even began.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) was standing along the aisle, visible to cameras as Trump entered the chamber and greeted Republicans. She held up a handwritten sign that read: “This is not normal.”
After Trump passed by, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas), who had greeted the president on the other side of the aisle, reached over and ripped the sign from her hands, tossing it aside.
This incident marked the start of a series of protests from Democrats during Trump’s speech.
Later, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) interrupted Trump’s speech, prompting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to order the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the chamber.
The scene was captured live by CNN cameras.
Watch the clip below:
Rep. Melanie Stansbury holds a sign reading "This Is Not Normal" before another member rips it out of her hand. pic.twitter.com/EHnQkXUkKT
— jordan (@JordanUhl) March 5, 2025
