Democrats refuse to stand for Trump as Al Green ejected over ‘apes’ protest sign; al green held placard

al green was escorted from the House chamber early into the president’s address after holding a sign that read “Black people aren’t apes!” on Tuesday night during the State of the Union, while many Democrats remained seated and Republicans cheered. The Texas Democrat was removed almost immediately, marking the second year in a row he has been ejected from the annual event.

Al Green escorted from chamber

As the president began his address and other attendees sat down, Congressman Al Green lingered in the center aisle brandishing a sign that read “Black people aren’t apes!” The sign referenced the US president sharing a racist video depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama. Green continued to hold the sign as multiple Republican representatives tried to grab at it or block it from being viewed by cameras, and a staffer escorted the Democratic lawmaker to the door.

Sign read 'Black people aren't apes!'

Green was removed almost immediately, the second consecutive year he has been ejected from the State of the Union. Last year he was ordered out by House speaker Mike Johnson for yelling responses as the president spoke; this year’s protest was silent but pointed. Green walked out clutching his walking stick and the protest sign.

Republicans grabbed and chanted

Representative Troy Nehls, also from Texas, could be seen aggressively engaging with Green as he passed by, just before a staffer escorted the lawmaker to the door. Senator Markwayne Mullin also approached Green menacingly. As Green left the chamber there were acrimonious exchanges with Republicans, and a few began chanting “USA! USA!”

Democrats sat and some left

Dozens of Democrats boycotted the State of the Union address, and several Democrats in the House chamber on Tuesday night made their opposition clear by remaining solemnly seated as Republican colleagues stood and applauded. Several Democrats walked out early. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said he “couldn’t sit through an hour of Trump’s lies” and left while the president inflated his economic achievements. Representative Bill Foster from Illinois shared that he gave himself “5 bald-faced lies” — the same as last year — before he left, writing “Less than one hour into his speech, I’m out. ”

Responses from Green and colleagues

Green’s seat was left empty with a handwritten cardboard sign that said “Al Green. ” Green has been among the president’s top critics and was the first member of Congress to call for his impeachment, as early as 2017. He represents a predominantly African American district and has long fought for civil rights.

After his removal the second time, Green told reporters outside the chamber that it was “of no consequence, ” while still holding his sign for cameras to see. He said nothing would prevent him from doing what he believed was a righteous thing to do. “You have to take a stand, ” he added. “I am just a person who has done it – but there are many others, I believe, who would. ”

As the president made comments about his immigration enforcement agenda to a standing ovation from Republicans, and rebuked Democrats for not joining him as he called for Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Representative Rashida Tlaib, wearing a pin that read “release the files”, could be heard yelling back about the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse shot to death by federal agents. “They saw the videos, Mr President, ” she yelled. “They saw the videos. ” Representative Ilhan Omar shouted “You should be ashamed, ” as the president told Democrats they should be ashamed, and repeatedly yelled “you have killed Americans. ”

al green was not alone in protesting during the address; his removal and the actions of other Democrats underscored sharp divisions in the chamber on Tuesday night.

Closing: The Texas congressman’s second ejection in as many years, his sign reading “Black people aren’t apes!”, the confrontations with Republican members, and the broader protest by Democrats punctuated the State of the Union on Tuesday night.