Rep. Al Green’s protest during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress ended with the Texas Democrat being escorted out of the House chamber for the second year in a row.
As Trump walked in to deliver his speech Tuesday night, Green stepped into the center aisle and raised a bold message above his head: “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” The sign drew immediate attention, according to a report by Politico.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise brushed at it while entering alongside the president, and several Republican lawmakers moved quickly to obstruct the view. Reps. Pat Fallon of Texas and John McGuire of Virginia attempted to shield it from cameras. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas urged Green to lower it, while Sens. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Roger Marshall of Kansas positioned themselves directly in front of the message moments before House personnel escorted Green from the chamber.
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The protest appeared to reference a racially offensive image of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama that Trump had shared earlier this month on Truth Social before deleting it.
Green, a longtime Trump critic who has repeatedly pushed for his impeachment, had remained standing at the outset of the address while most lawmakers were seated, holding the sign in silent defiance. His removal echoed last year’s address, when he was escorted out after interrupting Trump and waving his cane in protest.
As security led him away, Republican lawmakers and Trump allies broke into chants of “USA, USA.”
Speaking with reporters outside, Green defended his actions. “we must take a stand against this level of discrimination,” he said. He added that he “would do it again,” though the opportunity may not come. The veteran congressman faces a competitive primary next week that could bring his 11-term tenure in the House to a close.
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