Lawmaker ejected during Trump’s State of the Union address
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Al Green, a Democratic congressman, was ejected from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address after he displayed a sign reading, “Black people are not apes.” The incident occurred during the high-profile speech on February 25, 2026, and drew significant attention due to its racial undertones and the political context surrounding it. Green was removed from the venue following his protest, which appeared to reference Trump’s recent social media posts.
Earlier that month, Trump had shared a post on his Truth Social platform that included an image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This controversial content sparked widespread criticism, particularly among those who viewed it as a racist attack on the Black community. Green’s sign was widely interpreted as a direct response to Trump’s post, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two political figures.
The ejection of Green from the State of the Union—a traditionally bipartisan event—underscores the deepening divide in American politics and the growing prevalence of racialized rhetoric in public discourse. While some viewed Green’s actions as a bold form of resistance against perceived injustices, others criticized him for disrupting a significant national address. The incident has sparked debates about free speech, political protest, and the role of race in contemporary U.S. politics.
For readers interested in global affairs and world news, this story highlights the broader implications of racial tensions within U.S. political culture. It also serves as a reminder of how social media can amplify divisions and influence public reactions to political events. The controversy surrounding Green’s removal underscores the importance of understanding the intersection of race, politics, and media in shaping modern American society.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026