The Breakfast Club: Interview with Congressman Al Green Hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God – Released March 7, 2025

In this powerful episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with Congressman Al Green to discuss his bold actions in Congress, his unwavering fight for Medicaid, and his perspectives on the current political climate. The conversation delves deep into themes of civil disobedience, political courage, and systemic discrimination, offering listeners an intimate look at the challenges and convictions driving one of Congress’s most outspoken members.

1. Introducing Congressman Al Green

[02:10] Jess Hilarious: "We got a special guest in the building. Yes, indeed, we have Congressman Al Green."

Congressman Al Green begins by sharing his journey into public service, highlighting how early experiences in school fostered his passion for leadership and governance. His commitment to serving the community emerged naturally, driven by a desire to effect meaningful change rather than by any long-term political ambition.

[04:46] DJ Envy: "What probably started early in life when I was a child in elementary school... I was running for class President."

2. Disrupting the Joint Session of Congress

A pivotal moment in Green’s career was his decision to stand and speak out during a joint session of Congress. Faced with the President’s announcement of an $880 billion mandate to cut Medicaid, Green couldn’t remain silent.

[06:24] DJ Envy: "By the by, I have to say, you have no mandate to cut Medicaid."

Disregarding protocol, Green openly challenged the President’s claims, asserting that there was no authority to reduce Medicaid funding. This act of defiance led to his removal from the session and subsequent censure.

3. The Fight for Medicaid

Green passionately underscores the significance of Medicaid, emphasizing its role in providing healthcare to one in five insured Americans. He warns that cutting Medicaid would not only strip away essential health services but also cost lives.

[08:50] DJ Envy: "One in every five persons with insurance in this country is covered by virtue of Medicaid. And if we lose Medicaid, we're going to lose lives."

His advocacy is rooted in personal conviction, viewing Medicaid as a foundational element of the American safety net that must be preserved at all costs.

4. Experiencing Discrimination and Political Dynamics

Green discusses his experience with what he perceives as invidious discrimination within the House of Representatives. Reflecting on his background from the segregated South, he draws parallels between historical and contemporary injustices.

[09:17] Charlamagne Tha God: "Why didn't do their job and kick out Marjorie Taylor Greene or Boebert? Like, why? Why? Why don't they do their job?"

[09:21] DJ Envy: "There is still invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives."

He relates personal anecdotes of discrimination and highlights how his removal from the joint session exemplifies systemic bias, differentiating his treatment from that of his peers.

5. Consequences Faced by Al Green

Green openly acknowledges the repercussions of his actions, including censure and the threat of losing committee assignments. Despite these consequences, he remains steadfast in his mission, viewing his sacrifices as necessary for the greater good.

[15:17] DJ Envy: "What are the consequences for what you've...?"

[15:20] DJ Envy: "Well, I'm about to suffer double jeopardy. They have censured me... and there is now a movement to strip me of my committee assignments."

He likens his struggle to historical figures like John Lewis, who also faced significant personal costs for their activism.

6. Critique of the Democratic Party’s Response

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Green’s disappointment with Democratic leadership. He questions why leaders haven’t stood by him in his moment of protest, contrasting his experiences with past Democratic actions against Republican provocations.

[09:00] Charlamagne Tha God: "I'm sick of that talk because Democrats don't ever act like he is."

[13:13] Charlamagne Tha God: "I agree with you. But I also believe Democrats are cowards, and that's why they didn't call out Marjorie Taylor Greene."

Green expresses frustration over the perceived lack of solidarity from his party, emphasizing the need for Democrats to exhibit the same level of courage and willingness to confront injustice.

7. Plans for Future Action and Call to Impeachment

Undeterred by his censure, Green outlines his intentions to continue battling for Medicaid and broader social justice issues. He discusses the possibility of bringing articles of impeachment against leaders who undermine democratic processes and jeopardize essential programs.

[30:13] Charlamagne Tha God: "But he's been in peace twice already, and nothing."

[30:16] DJ Envy: "I have to do that. I've got to do all that I can."

Green underscores the importance of holding leaders accountable, even in the face of repeated failures, advocating for persistent advocacy to protect vulnerable populations.

8. Perspectives on the Presidency and Democracy

Green offers a critical analysis of the current presidency, expressing concerns over executive overreach and the erosion of democratic norms. He warns against the dangers of a leader who disregards institutional checks and balances, labeling such behavior as a direct threat to democracy.

[22:30] DJ Envy: "He's growing this crop of many trumps. But this president is a menace to dignity."

He emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions against authoritarian tendencies.

9. The Need for Political Courage and Incivility as Protest

A recurring theme in the interview is the concept of using incivility as a form of protest against entrenched power structures. Green advocates for tactical disruptions to challenge and change the status quo, drawing inspiration from civil rights leaders.

[34:09] DJ Envy: "I have to be prepared to meet his incivility with incivility."

He believes that traditional political strategies are insufficient in the face of present challenges, calling for more assertive and unconventional methods to effect change.

10. Closing Thoughts and Inspiration

As the interview concludes, both hosts and Green reflect on the importance of maintaining moral integrity and courage in the fight for justice. Green cites Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that standing up for what is right often requires personal sacrifice but is essential for societal progress.

[52:10] DJ Envy: "When Dr. King was at his zenith... he had the courage to say what others knew and would not say."

Charlamagne Tha God and the hosts commend Green for his bravery and commitment, reinforcing the episode’s central message of resilience and unwavering dedication to justice.

Notable Quotes:

• [06:24] DJ Envy: "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid."
• [09:17] DJ Envy: "There is still invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives."
• [15:20] DJ Envy: "I am about to suffer double jeopardy. They have censured me."
• [30:56] DJ Envy: "I've had to say that we should not wait until he becomes a dictator to try to remove him."
• [34:09] DJ Envy: "We have to use incivility. That is another way of saying protest."

Conclusion: Congressman Al Green's interview on The Breakfast Club serves as a compelling exploration of political activism, highlighting the necessary blend of courage, resilience, and strategic disruption required to challenge entrenched systems. His unwavering commitment to defending Medicaid and upholding democratic values provides a resonant message for listeners striving for meaningful societal change.