On February 24, 2026, the United States Capitol became the stage for a dramatic and highly charged confrontation during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. For the second consecutive year, Representative Al Green (D-Texas) was forcibly escorted from the House chamber, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and the breakdown of traditional decorum that have characterized the current political era.
The incident occurred just moments into the President’s speech. As Donald Trump began his address—one that would eventually shatter records as the longest State of the Union in history—Rep. Green rose from his seat in the fourth row. Unlike his verbal protest in 2025, Green’s 2026 demonstration was initially silent but visually provocative. He unfurled a white, handwritten sign that read in bold letters: “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES.”
The Catalyst for Protest
The sign was a direct reference to a widely condemned video shared on the President’s Truth Social account earlier in February. The video, which focused on election conspiracy theories, featured a caricature of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes. Although the post was eventually deleted and the White House attributed the “mistake” to a staff member, the imagery sparked nationwide outrage.
For Green, a veteran civil rights advocate and member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the post was an unforgivable transgression. Speaking to reporters after his removal, Green stated, “I wanted the president to see it and he saw it. I told him Black people are not apes.” He emphasized that his actions were a stand against “the level of hate that the president is putting into policy” (WKYC News).
Physical Confrontation in the Chamber
The protest quickly shifted from a silent demonstration to a physical struggle. As the President walked down the aisle, Green attempted to wave the sign in his direction. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) was seen attempting to swipe at the poster to prevent it from being seen on camera. Other Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), moved to block the cameras’ view of the sign.
The situation escalated when Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and other Trump allies approached Green. Video footage captured Nehls attempting to snatch the placard from Green’s hands. Amid the chaos, the House Sergeant at Arms intervened, taking Green by the arm to lead him out. As the 79-year-old congressman was escorted toward the doors, leaning on his signature walking cane, the Republican side of the chamber erupted into rhythmic chants of “USA! USA!” (Hindustan Times).
A History of Defiance
This was not Green’s first ejection. In March 2025, during Trump’s initial address to a joint session of Congress, Green was removed after shouting, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” That outburst resulted in a formal House censure.
The 2026 protest, however, occurred despite strict instructions from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who had urged his caucus to maintain “silent defiance” and avoid outbursts that might distract from the Democratic message. While most Democrats remained in stony silence, other members did eventually break rank. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) were also heard heckling the President later in the speech, with Omar shouting, “You have killed Americans!” in reference to recent immigration-related deaths (The Washington Post).
Aftermath and Reactions
Following his removal, Green’s seat remained empty, save for a small cardboard sign he left behind that simply read “Al Green.” Outside the chamber, the congressman remained defiant, telling CNN that being removed was “of no consequence” compared to the importance of the message.
Republicans were quick to condemn the display. Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that the antics of Green and others “brought shame upon their party,” while Texas Republicans released statements calling Green a “disgrace” for seeking “one minute of fame” at the expense of congressional dignity (Axios).
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unprecedented volatility within the halls of Congress. As the nation moves toward the 2026 midterm elections, the image of a congressman being led out by security for protesting a racial slur highlights a divided government that is struggling to maintain even the most basic norms of civil discourse.
