Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
Washington — President Donald Trump lashed out at Congressman Al Green (D-TX) Tuesday evening, calling him a “very low-talent” singer and criticizing classic soul hits — apparently confusing the longtime legislator with the iconic musician of the same name.
The outburst came during recent remarks, where Trump addressed recent political moves against him, including Green’s introduction of new articles of impeachment in the House of Representatives.
“This guy Al Green — total loser,” Trump said, referring to the congressman. “People act like he’s some kind of legend. I’ve heard the songs. ‘Let’s Stay Together’? Way overrated. ‘Love and Happiness’? More like hate and disaster. Very low-talent singer. Very.”
Rep. Al Green, who first introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in 2017, re-entered the spotlight this week by filing new articles aimed at disqualifying Trump from holding future office under the 14th Amendment, citing the president’s recent bombing of Iran.
Green, 77, has long argued that Trump poses an ongoing threat to constitutional order. “We must uphold our duty, not to popularity, but to principle,” Green said on the House floor Monday. “No man is above the law.”
It was shortly after news of Green’s impeachment effort spread that Trump launched into his now-infamous monologue, seemingly confusing his political opponent with the Memphis-born soul singer, also named Al Green.
The clip of Trump’s remarks spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing ridicule and disbelief.
“Trump thinks the congressman who filed impeachment articles against him sang Let’s Stay Together. I can’t tell if this is politics or sketch comedy,” tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
“Someone needs to let Trump know that not all Al Greens are created equal,” said comedian Roy Wood Jr., adding: “One sings about love, the other is trying to save democracy.”
Congressman Green responded to the confusion with a short statement Tuesday morning: “Though I have never claimed to be a soul singer, I do try to act with soul. I remain focused on justice — and leave music to the great Al Green.”
The singer Al Green has not publicly commented, though streams of his music spiked overnight following the incident.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
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