Rep. Al Green Ejected From State of the Union After Holding "Black People Aren't Apes" Sign at Trump's Address

The 2026 State of the Union became a flashpoint Wednesday night when Congressman Al Green of Texas was physically confronted and escorted from the House chamber barely two minutes into President Donald Trump's speech — the second consecutive year the Houston Democrat has been removed from a major Trump address to Congress.

What Did Al Green's Sign Say?

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was ejected from President Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night. Green was seen on the House floor waving a sign that read "Black People Aren't Apes" — a direct reference to a video Trump posted on social media this month that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.

Trump shared the 72-second election conspiracy video on his Truth Social account on February 5, depicting the Obamas with their heads on ape bodies. The post was deleted from Trump's Truth Social page on February 6 amid fierce public outcry from both Republicans and Democrats.

The Clash on the House Floor

As Trump entered the chamber, Congressman Al Green held up the sign and remained standing as Trump began his speech. Multiple Republican lawmakers walked over to Green to confront him verbally. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma attempted to snatch the sign out of his hand. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana also tried to pull the sign down.

Mullin and Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas then attempted to physically block Trump's view of Green. Green was eventually escorted out by a House sergeant-at-arms staffer. As he was leaving, Green stopped and held his sign directly at Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, who tried vigorously to grab it away.

Trump responded from the podium, pointing toward the Democratic side of the chamber and saying "These people are crazy," as Republicans applauded and most Democrats sat stone-faced.

Al Green Speaks to Reporters After Ejection

Green described his protest as fully deliberate after his removal: "Last year was spontaneity. This year was intentionality." He made clear he wanted Trump to see the message directly and personally.

Outside the chamber, Green told reporters: "Judging from the expression on his face, he got the message." He also said: "Tonight, I wanted him to have a person confront him and let him know that Black people aren't apes."

Where Is the State of the Union Held?

The State of the Union address is held in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Trump began speaking at 9:11 p.m. ET and his address lasted one hour and 48 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union speech in modern presidential history.

Republicans Signal Possible Censure of Rep. Al Green

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Republicans will "talk about" the possibility of censuring Green, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the GOP will "seriously" look into whether to censure the congressman. Green was already censured for his disruption during Trump's 2025 address.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin was sharper in his assessment, calling Green an "idiot." Speaker Johnson called the Democratic displays "shameful" and said the behavior was "beneath any member of Congress and something they'll regret."

Obama, the Sign, and the Broader Context

Former President Barack Obama had previously addressed Trump's racist social media post, dismissing the president's behavior as a "clown show." The White House had initially defended the post before blaming an unnamed staffer for erroneously reposting it.

The 78-year-old Al Green is currently fighting for his political life, facing Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee in a March 3 primary in the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District in Texas, a shift forced by a mid-decade Republican redistricting effort.