Rep. Al Green defends sign that led to his ejection: 'Trump got the message'
#Rep. Al Green#State of the Union#Ejection#Black people aren't apes#Trump#Racial protest#House chamber
📌 Key Takeaways
Rep. Al Green was ejected from the House chamber for holding a sign
The sign read 'Black people aren't apes'
Green claimed President Trump understood the message
The protest occurred during Trump's State of the Union address
The demonstration appeared to be against perceived racist rhetoric
📖 Full Retelling
Democratic Congressman Al Green was ejected from the House chamber during President Trump's State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, after displaying a sign reading 'Black people aren't apes,' which he defended as necessary messaging that the president understood. The Texas representative remained defiant, continuing to hold the sign as he spoke to reporters in the Capitol, insisting that his protest had successfully conveyed its intended message to the administration. Green's dramatic demonstration occurred as Trump delivered his annual address to Congress, a traditionally formal event where such displays are prohibited, leading to his removal by Capitol security. The congressman's protest appeared to be a direct response to what he perceived as racist rhetoric or policies from the administration, with the specific wording suggesting a rebuttal to comparisons between Black people and primates that he found offensive. Despite the controversy, Green maintained that his actions were not merely disruptive but served an important purpose in highlighting racial inequality.
🏷️ Themes
Political protest, Racial issues, Freedom of speech
Annual report by the president of the United States
The State of the Union address (sometimes abbreviated to SOTU) is an annual message delivered by the president of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress near the beginning of most calendar years on the current condition of the nation. The speech generally includes reports...
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
Born into a wealthy New York City family, Trump graduated from the...
news Alerts There are no new alerts at this time Search Facebook Twitter Email SMS Blue Sky Whatsapp Print Reddit Flipboard Pinterest Linkedin Latest Stories State of the Union Politics U.S. News World Business Health Shopping Tipline Sports Culture Science Rep. Al Green defends sign that led to his ejection: 'Trump got the message' Feb. 25, 2026 01:27 Now Playing Rep. Al Green defends sign that led to his ejection: 'Trump got the message' 01:27 UP NEXT ‘You caused that problem’: Trump lays into Congress members over inflation 01:36 Trump jokes this 'should be my third term' during remarks about prescription drugs 00:36 ‘Unfortunate ruling’: Trump responds to Supreme Court striking down his tariffs 02:47 Trump praises Republicans for helping pass the One Big Beautiful Bill 01:36 Trump praises Coast Guard swimmer for rescuing girls during Camp Mystic flood 02:11 Trump brings the U.S. men's hockey team into the chamber during his State of the Union speech 02:20 Trump touts stock market highs, gas prices and inflation 03:03 ‘Our enemies are scared,’ Trump says in State of the Union speech 00:57 Democratic Rep. Al Green escorted out during Trump's State of the Union remarks 00:19 Rep. Al Green defends sign that led to his ejection: 'Trump got the message' 01:27 Copied Rep. Al Green, who was ejected earlier from the House chamber for holding a sign that said "Black people aren't apes," was still holding the sign when he spoke to reporters in the Capitol, telling them President Trump "got the message" on the sign. Feb. 25, 2026 Read More Get more news on Now Playing Rep. Al Green defends sign that led to his ejection: 'Trump got the message' 01:27 UP NEXT ‘You caused that problem’: Trump lays into Congress members over inflation 01:36 Trump jokes this 'should be my third term' during remarks about prescription drugs 00:36 ‘Unfortunate ruling’: Trump responds to Supreme Court striking down his tariffs 02:47 Trump praises Republicans for helping pass the One Big Beautiful B...