Texas Congressman Al Green Ejected for Second Year from State of the Union
Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas was forcibly removed from the House chamber during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, marking the second consecutive year he has been ejected from the annual event. The congressman was escorted out after refusing to sit down and instead holding up a protest sign that read "Black people aren't apes!" in a direct reference to Trump's history of sharing racist content.
Silent Protest Turns Confrontational
Unlike last year when Green was removed for shouting during the speech, this year's demonstration was visually striking but silent. As Trump began his address and other attendees took their seats, Green remained standing in the center aisle brandishing his sign. The message targeted Trump's past dissemination of a video that depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in a derogatory, simian manner.
Multiple Republican representatives attempted to grab the sign or block it from camera view as Capitol Police escorted Green toward the exit. Representative Troy Nehls of Texas aggressively engaged with Green as he passed by, while Senator Markwayne Mullin approached him menacingly. As Green left the chamber clutching his walking stick and sign, some Republicans chanted "USA! USA!" in acrimonious exchanges.
Democrats Stage Coordinated Sitting Protest
Green was not alone in expressing opposition. Dozens of Democrats boycotted the speech entirely, while those present spent much of the address solemnly seated as Republicans repeatedly stood to applaud. This created a stark visual divide in the chamber, with one side enthusiastically cheering and the other remaining passive in silent protest.
Other Democratic lawmakers voiced their dissent audibly. Representative Rashida Tlaib, wearing a pin that said "release the files," shouted about the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse shot by federal agents, yelling "They saw the videos, Mr. President." Representative Ilhan Omar retorted "You should be ashamed" when Trump told Democrats they should be ashamed, and repeatedly accused him of having killed Americans.
Green's History of Opposition and Response
Al Green has long been one of Trump's most vocal critics, becoming the first member of Congress to call for his impeachment back in 2017. Representing a predominantly African American district in Texas, Green has consistently advocated for civil rights issues. After his ejection, he told reporters outside the chamber that the removal was "of no consequence" and that nothing would prevent him from taking righteous stands.
"You have to take a stand," Green asserted, still holding his sign for cameras. "I am just a person who has done it – but there are many others, I believe, who would." His seat remained empty save for a handwritten cardboard sign that simply said "Al Green." The incident underscores the deep political divisions and theatrical protests that have come to characterize Trump-era State of the Union addresses.
