Nationwide — Democratic congressman Al Green was removed from the State of the Union on Tuesday after holding a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes” in protest of a racist social media post by President Donald Trump. The brief protest ended with Green being escorted out by security.
Green’s protest came after Trump shared a video online earlier this month showing former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes. The post sparked widespread outrage and was later deleted from Trump’s Truth Social account.
As Green held up the sign, cameras captured the tense moment as security guided him out of the chamber, as reported by TMZ. Footage shows the congressman struggling slightly as he was being removed, drawing attention from members of Congress and viewers at home.
Barack Obama previously responded to Trump’s post, calling it a “clown show” and refusing to give it serious attention. Green’s protest echoed these criticisms, focusing on racial dignity and respect.
This was not Green’s first confrontation with Trump at a public address. Last year, he was also removed during a joint session of Congress after shouting in protest. Over time, he has become known for publicly challenging actions he views as racist, even during official addresses.