A Silent Stand Against Recent Controversy (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Washington – Rep. Al Green faced ejection from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, marking the second consecutive year the Texas Democrat disrupted the high-profile event with a pointed protest.[1][2]
A Silent Stand Against Recent Controversy
Minutes into the speech, Green stood silently on the House floor holding a sign that declared “Black People Aren’t Apes.”[1] The message directly referenced a video Trump shared on his Truth Social account earlier this month.[3]
The clip, which focused on election conspiracy theories, concluded with images depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle setting.[4] It drew widespread condemnation before being removed, with the White House attributing the post to a staffer. Trump later told reporters he had not viewed the full video, focusing only on its initial segments about voter fraud.[4]
Green’s action highlighted ongoing tensions over racial rhetoric in national discourse. The 79-year-old lawmaker, who represents Texas’s 9th Congressional District around Houston, has served in the House since 2005.[5]
Escorted Out Amid Republican Cheers
The House Sergeant at Arms approached Green shortly after the address began and escorted him from the chamber.[5] Republicans erupted in cheers, shouting phrases like “Get out!” as he departed.[4]
Speaking to reporters afterward, Green expressed no regret. “Judging from the expression on his face, he got the message,” the congressman said, adding that Trump had seen the sign.[6] He emphasized his stance: “At some point you cannot let racism continue. If you tolerate it, you perpetuate it. I refuse to tolerate racism. The president needs to know that Black people aren’t apes, and he should have apologized for what he did.”[6]
The incident unfolded just two minutes into Trump’s remarks, underscoring the charged atmosphere inside the Capitol.[5]
Pattern of Confrontations in Congress
This marked the second straight year Green clashed with Trump during a joint session of Congress. In 2025, he shouted interruptions, including a retort to Trump’s claim of an electoral mandate.[1] The House later censured him for that disruption.[7]
Green’s protests reflect a broader pattern among some Democrats, who employed varied tactics Tuesday. Many stayed seated during applause lines, while others held signs on different issues.[8]
- Silent signs emerged as a favored method to avoid verbal censure.
- Republicans responded with unified standing ovations.
- No immediate disciplinary action followed Green’s latest ejection.
- The event recalled past decorum breaches during polarized speeches.
Broader Implications for Political Theater
Green’s removal drew immediate media attention and social media buzz, amplifying the video controversy anew.[9] Critics viewed the sign as a necessary callout, while supporters of Trump dismissed it as grandstanding.
The State of the Union remains a platform where partisan lines sharpen. Trump’s address covered familiar themes like election integrity, but the early ejection set a defiant tone.
House rules prohibit signs or disruptions, yet such moments persist amid deep divisions.
Key Takeaways
- Green’s sign protested a deleted Truth Social video depicting the Obamas as apes.
- This ejection followed a similar 2025 incident leading to censure.
- Republicans cheered; Democrats pursued quieter protests.
Rep. Green’s bold move reignited debates on accountability and free speech in Congress. As tensions simmer, future addresses may test decorum further. What do you think about this protest? Tell us in the comments.
