Rep. Al Green, a Democratic representative from Texas, was forcibly removed from President Donald Trump's primetime address to a joint session of Congress after standing with a protest sign that read "Black people aren't apes!" This occurrence took place during the State of the Union address, where Green positioned himself on the Democrats’ side of the House chamber. His message was a direct protest against remarks associated with Trump, indicating a longstanding tension between the president and progressive lawmakers regarding racially charged rhetoric.

The incident drew attention not only for the content of Green's protest sign but also for the heated exchanges he had with Republican lawmakers present during the address, specifically with Reps. Troy Nehls and Pat Fallon, both from Texas. Green's actions were observed just before Trump began his speech, and despite warnings, he chose to keep the sign raised, ultimately leading to his ejection by Capitol security. This is not the first time Green has disrupted a presidential address; he was similarly removed during Trump's previous joint session speech in 2025 for yelling and causing a scene, which highlights his pattern of protest against what he perceives as unjust political discourse.

This incident reflects the ongoing political divide in Congress and the emotional nature of the discussions surrounding race, power, and presidential conduct in America. Green's consistent presence at these events with protest actions underscores the broader activism within the Democratic Party aimed at holding leadership accountable for their statements and policies. As the climate of political discourse continues to heat up, such disruptions may become more frequent as lawmakers express their discontent with the status quo.