Al Green escorted out after displaying 'Black people aren't apes' sign during Trump's SOTU address
:rotating_light:#BREAKING: Watch as Democrat Al Green holds a large sign that reads BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES before getting kicked out of the State of the Union :gorilla: pic.twitter.com/sgLKtutM6J
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Texas lawmaker Al Green was escorted out of the State of the Union address at the Capitol after holding up a small sign that drew attention. The sign read, "Black people aren't apes."
He was removed from the chamber during President Donald Trump’s speech. POTUS addressed the joint session of Congress and stated that "America is back on track."
This was not Green’s first disruption. Last year, he was censured by his House colleagues for shouting during Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
Protest sign leads to ejection from Chamber subhead
Al Green of Texas was removed from the chamber after holding a sign that read, "Black people aren't apes!" He continued showing the placard as President Trump began his State of the Union address. The Capitol security quickly escorted him out. The white sign, written in black marker, drew immediate attention.
The protest comes in the wake of a recent controversy. Earlier this month, President Trump shared a video portraying former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
A White House official said a staffer "erroneously made the post," which was later taken down. Trump added that he had not seen the portion of the video that caused the backlash.
Trump delivers SOTU address
POTUS delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, February 24. The Capitol was packed with lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and military leaders. Trump highlighted what he called his key achievements from his first year and outlined his plans for the months ahead.
The speech came just before the November midterm elections. While most members of Congress attended, several Democrats had chosen to skip the event. The president insisted the country is only going to continue to do "better and better."
"We're going to do better and better and better," he said. "This is the golden age of America." Trump’s first year had been marked by controversial policies that divided opinion even among his own party.
