What Happened
During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, Rep. Al Green, a Democratic congressman from Texas, was ejected from the House chamber after holding up a sign that read, “Black people aren’t apes.” This action was a direct response to a controversial video Trump shared on social media earlier in February, which depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a derogatory manner.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding race and representation in American politics. Green’s protest was aimed at condemning what he described as Trump’s “dastardly” actions. The video in question had drawn widespread criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott labeling it as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” The White House later stated that the video was mistakenly shared by a staffer, and Trump refused to apologize for the post.
What’s Next
Following his removal, Green expressed his belief that taking a stand is necessary, drawing parallels to historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. He indicated that while others may agree with his stance, they might not feel empowered to act. This incident marks the second consecutive year that Green has been ejected from a Trump address, raising questions about the ongoing discourse surrounding race and political accountability in the United States.
