Full Breakdown
Al Green Ejected from Trump's State of the Union Address
2/25/2026, 5:54:54 AM
Incident Overview
On February 24, 2026, Democratic U.S. Representative Al Green from Texas was escorted out of the House of Representatives chamber during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Green displayed a sign reading "Black people aren't apes," which referenced a controversial video shared by Trump that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a derogatory manner. This incident marked the second consecutive year that Green was removed from a Trump address, having previously been ejected during Trump's joint address to Congress in 2025.
Context of the Protest
The protest by Green was a direct response to a video posted on Trump's Truth Social account earlier in February 2026, which faced backlash from both Republicans and Democrats. The video was subsequently deleted by the White House, which stated that it had been posted by a staff member without Trump's approval. Green's actions during the State of the Union were not only a protest against the video but also highlighted his ongoing criticism of Trump, particularly regarding issues of race and representation.
Reactions and Responses
As Green was escorted out of the chamber, he waved his sign towards the Republican side of the aisle, where fellow Texas Representative Troy Nehls attempted to grab it. This confrontation underscored the tensions present during the address. Green's previous ejection in 2025 involved him heckling Trump and shaking a cane at the president, leading to a censure vote against him by the House of Representatives.
Criticism & Opposition
Green's actions have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters view his protests as a necessary stand against racism and a critique of Trump's behavior, while opponents argue that such disruptions are inappropriate during formal congressional proceedings. The repeated ejections have sparked discussions about decorum and the limits of protest within the legislative context.
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next
Following the incident, discussions regarding the appropriateness of protests during State of the Union addresses may arise, alongside potential implications for Green's political future and ongoing debates about race and representation in American politics.
