Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted from the House chamber at the start of President Trump's State of the Union after he held up a sign reading "Black people aren't apes." The placard referred to a social media video posted this month on President Trump's account that showed images of Barack and Michelle Obama depicted as apes; the White House removed the clip and said a staffer had posted it. Green previously interrupted Trump's address to Congress last year, and House officials removed him to restore order.
Rep. Al Green Escorted From House During State of the Union After Holding Protest Sign
U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) holds a sign as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) — Democratic Representative Al Green was escorted from the House chamber on Tuesday as President Donald Trump began his State of the Union address after the Texas lawmaker held up a protest sign.
As Trump entered the chamber, Green unfurled a white placard that read, "Black people aren't apes," a reference to a social media video posted earlier this month on President Trump's account that included images depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. The White House later removed the video and said a staffer had posted it.
Green has drawn attention before for interrupting the president: he shouted at Trump during last year’s address to Congress. House officials then and this week moved to remove him from the chamber to restore order during the speech.
Context
The incident underlines heightened tensions in the chamber during high-profile presidential addresses and follows controversy over the social media clip. Members of Congress are subject to chamber rules that can result in removal for disruptive actions during formal proceedings.
Reporting: Bo Erickson and Richard Cowan; Editing: Scott Malone.
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