Congressman Al Green Ejected from Trump’s State of the Union Address for Protest Sign
Democratic Congressman Al Green was removed from President Trump's State of the Union address for displaying a protest sign. The incident highlighted political tensions during the event.
During President Trump's State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, Democratic Congressman Al Green of Texas was removed from the House chamber. The ejection followed Green's display of a protest sign reading "Black People Aren't Apes" as the President began his speech.
The incident unfolded as President Trump entered the chamber, with Green brandishing the controversial sign. This action immediately drew the attention and intervention of several Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas). Attempts were made to seize or obstruct the sign by these politicians.
Shortly afterward, a member of the House sergeant-at-arms staff escorted Green from the chamber. This marks the second instance in two years that Green has been ejected during a Trump address to Congress; he faced a similar situation in 2025.
The demonstration and its fallout reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the event. Prior to the address, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) had advised Democratic members to refrain from signs and disruptions. Despite this call for decorum, reports indicate that some Democrats chose to boycott or vocally interrupt the speech.
Green's removal disrupted the early segment of President Trump's address, which primarily focused on themes such as border security and economic progress.