For the second year in a row, U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas was escorted from the House chamber during a presidential address by Donald Trump — this time after silently holding a sign that read, “Black People Aren’t Apes!”
Green stood as Trump entered for his State of the Union address Tuesday night and unfurled the sign, an apparent reference to a racist caricature of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama that Trump had previously posted online before deleting. The image depicted the Obamas as apes — a trope long used to demean Black people.
About two minutes into Trump’s speech, Green stood again holding the sign in silent protest. Several GOP members attempted to block the sign from cameras before his removal.
The House Sergeant at Arms approached Green and escorted him from the chamber as some Republican lawmakers chanted “USA.”
Speaking to reporters afterward, Green said he felt compelled to confront what he described as racism and discrimination.
“The behavior has been declared racist by a good many people, but I don’t think the president has really received the message that it is unacceptable,” Green said.
He added that remaining silent would only embolden such actions.
“I refuse to tolerate this level of hate that the president is, in fact, putting into policy. We must take a stand against this level of insidious discrimination,” Green said.
Green said he wanted the president to see the message “up close” and made clear he has no regrets. “At some point you have to confront him face to face,” he said.
The protest echoed last year’s address, when Green interrupted Trump, pointed his cane toward the dais and was similarly removed from the chamber. That moment came amid broader Democratic protests, including walkouts and lawmakers holding signs accusing the president of misleading the public.
Green, who has repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, now faces a contested primary that could end his 11-term congressional career.
Tuesday’s address was notable beyond the protest. More than 50 Democrats boycotted the speech, some attending alternative events in protest. At more than two hours, it was the longest State of the Union address in history.
In his remarks, Trump focused heavily on the economy, immigration enforcement and border security, while defending his tariff policies and criticizing a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting his global tariff authority. Democrats, in their response, argued that new tariffs would raise costs for American families and accused the administration of fueling division at home and instability abroad.
But it was Green’s silent message — and his second removal in as many years — that once again underscored the sharp political and racial tensions defining this moment in Washington.