Congressman Al Green Ejected from State of the Union Address Over Protest Sign
Democratic Representative Al Green was forcibly removed from the House chamber on Tuesday night, US local time, during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. The incident occurred after Green held up a protest sign that read, "Black people aren't apes!" This action directly referenced a racist video of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama that had been posted on Trump's social media account earlier in the month.
Background of the Racist Video Controversy
The footage, which was posted and subsequently deleted on Trump's Truth Social account, depicted the Obamas—the first Black president and first lady in US history—as monkeys. This video sparked widespread outrage across the political spectrum in the United States. The White House later removed the content, with Trump attributing the post to a staff member and refusing to issue an apology for the offensive material.
Details of the Protest and Ejection
Al Green, a veteran Black congressman from Texas, stood up as President Trump arrived to address the joint session of Congress. He waved the protest sign in an attempt to draw attention to the issue. As Trump walked down the aisle, Green tried to direct the sign toward him, but Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise intervened to block the effort. Witnesses reported that someone in the crowd also appeared to try to grab the sign from Green's hands.
Despite these obstacles, Green maintained his position and continued displaying the sign as Trump began his prime-time speech. Minutes into the address, a staff member escorted Green from the chamber. The ejection was met with chants of "USA! USA! USA!" from some attendees. As he was led toward the door, Green persisted in waving the sign toward the Republican side, where Texas Republican Representative Troy Nehls attempted to snatch it away.
Green's Statement and Past Incidents
Following his removal, CNN quoted Green as saying, "I wanted the president to see it and he saw it. I told him Black people are not apes." This is not the first time Green has been ejected during a Trump address; he was also removed last year during Trump's joint address to Congress. On that occasion, he stood up, shook his cane, and shouted at the president, drawing jeers from Republicans before aides escorted him out as Trump looked on.
During his recent campaign, Green highlighted this past expulsion in an advertisement, stating, "When I stood up, it wasn't for attention. It was because some things are worth standing for." This repeated activism underscores his commitment to addressing racial issues and holding leadership accountable.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The incident has reignited discussions about racism in political discourse and the use of social media by public figures. It highlights the ongoing tensions within the US political landscape, particularly concerning racial equality and protest rights. The ejection of a sitting congressman during a major national event underscores the deep divisions and the passionate responses to controversial actions by political leaders.
As the story develops, it continues to draw attention to the broader context of racial justice and the responsibilities of elected officials in promoting inclusive and respectful dialogue.
