Disruption During the US President's Address
During the annual State of the Union address by President Donald Trump, a disruption occurred when Congressman Al Green was removed from the House chamber. The 78-year-old Democratic representative was ejected for holding up a sign that read 'Black People Are Not Monkeys!'. Congressman Green is known for his previous attempts to impeach President Trump and for having interrupted his speeches in the past.
Green's removal was a consequence of violating decorum rules. The incident followed President Trump's posting of a video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle in ape-like imagery. Trump has refused to apologize for sharing the video. This type of political protest during the State of the Union is rare but highlights the deep divisions within American politics. Following the event, Al Green stated his intention was for the president to see his message.
'I told him that black people are not monkeys, and that what he did was racist, and he knows it. But sometimes we have to let him know publicly that we know it too.' Al Green
The congressman further emphasized that racism cannot be tolerated: 'At some point, you cannot allow racism to continue. If you tolerate it, you are complicit in its spread. I refuse to tolerate racism. The president should know that black people are not monkeys, and he should apologize for what he did.' A tweet referencing the event was published on February 25, 2026.
Context and Consequences of the Incident
This event underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers, particularly on issues of race and social justice. Green's statements reflect the broader context of the fight against racial discrimination in the United States, which remains a persistent and heated topic in the nation's political discourse. President Trump's response to such situations often plays a significant role in shaping his public image, especially during election cycles and amid growing national conversations about racial inequality.