Democrat Representative Ejected from Trump's State of the Union Address
Texas Democrat Representative Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after holding up a sign that read "Black People Aren't Apes." The incident occurred just minutes into the president's speech, marking the second consecutive year Green has been removed from a major congressional address.
Reference to Controversial AI-Generated Video
The sign appeared to directly reference a racist AI-generated video that President Trump posted online earlier in February. The video depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates, sparking widespread condemnation from both political parties. The White House later claimed a staffer had "erroneously" posted the video on February 5, and it was removed several hours after being shared. Despite the backlash, Trump has refused to apologize, telling reporters, "I didn't make a mistake."
Escalating Tensions in the Chamber
Before being ejected, Green reportedly received warnings from floor staff. According to eyewitness accounts from The Independent's Eric Garcia, Republicans in the chamber chanted "USA USA" as Green was led out. Additionally, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Senator Markwayne Mullin attempted to physically grab the sign from Green's hands, illustrating the heightened tensions during the address.
History of Disruptions and Political Stand
This is not the first time Representative Green has been removed from a presidential address. During Trump's joint address to Congress last March, Green was ejected after shouting, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!" while raising his cane. Trump later signed legislation that summer which significantly reduced spending for the affordable healthcare program. When questioned about facing consequences for his repeated removals, Green stated defiantly, "The consequences were of no consequence to me. You have to take a stand."
Political Reactions and Backlash
The AI-generated video of the Obamas prompted sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama commented in a recent podcast interview, noting, "There doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum." Meanwhile, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed Green's actions, telling The Independent, "Al Green is a stone cold loser who beclowns himself on a daily basis and demeans the seat he occupies in Congress. He's not a serious person, which is why he does unserious things."
The ejection highlights ongoing partisan conflicts and the use of symbolic protests in high-stakes political settings, reflecting deeper divisions over issues of race, decorum, and presidential conduct in American politics.
