What Happened
Rep. Al Green, a Democratic congressman from Texas, was ejected from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night. This marks the second consecutive year Green has been removed from the House chamber during a Trump address. During the event, Green displayed a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes,” a protest against a recent video posted by Trump that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a derogatory manner.
Why It Matters
Green’s actions have sparked significant media attention and debate regarding political decorum and the limits of protest within Congress. Following his removal, Green stated, “Judging from the expression on his face, he got the message,” referring to Trump. He emphasized the importance of taking a stand, drawing parallels to historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who faced consequences for their activism. Critics, however, have labeled his actions as disruptive and attention-seeking, raising questions about the appropriateness of such protests in formal legislative settings.
What’s Next
In the aftermath of the incident, there are discussions among lawmakers about a potential censure resolution against Green for his actions. Republican Rep. Mike Rulli from Ohio indicated that he is seeking bipartisan support for this resolution, citing Green’s protest as a breach of conduct that violates House decorum rules. This situation may lead to further scrutiny of Green’s conduct and the broader implications for political discourse in Congress.
