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Colbert Slams Jeffries Over Silent Protest During Trump’s Address

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Stephen Colbert criticized Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, for advocating a 'silent' protest during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.
Jeffries urged Democrats to avoid disruptions, while Rep. Al Green and Rep. Ilhan Omar protested.
Al Green was removed for holding a sign reading 'Black people aren’t apes,' referencing a controversial video.
Some Democrats joined a counter-event on the National Mall.
President Trump asserted that Democrats were 'destroying our country'.

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Story summary

Stephen Colbert criticized Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, for advocating a 'silent' protest during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.
Jeffries urged Democrats to avoid disruptions, while Rep. Al Green and Rep. Ilhan Omar protested.
Al Green was removed for holding a sign reading 'Black people aren’t apes,' referencing a controversial video.
Some Democrats joined a counter-event on the National Mall.
President Trump asserted that Democrats were 'destroying our country'.