Rep. Al Green escorted out of chamber as Trump begins State of the Union
The Hill
by Sudiksha KochiFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) made headlines during President Trump’s State of the Union address when he was escorted out of the House chamber after holding up a provocative sign that read, “BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES.” The incident occurred as Trump began his speech on Tuesday evening. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who approached Green regarding the sign, expressed concerns about its content and implications. The removal of Green from the chamber sparked immediate reactions across political circles, with many questioning the appropriateness of such a gesture during a high-profile national address.
Green, known for his provocative behavior and past controversial remarks, has a history of making inflammatory statements on the floor of Congress. His actions have often drawn criticism, with opponents accusing him of using the platform to push divisive rhetoric rather than focusing on legislative work. The incident during Trump’s State of the Union further highlighted the ongoing tensions between partisans in Washington, where decorum and respect for the institution are frequently tested.
The situation also raised questions about free speech versus parliamentary protocol. While some defended Green’s right to express his views, others argued that such behavior disrupts the orderly conduct of Congress and undermines its dignity. The broader context of this event reflects the deepening racial and political divides in American society, which were on display during Trump’s address. The sign Green held up not only drew attention to race relations but also underscored the challenges of addressing these issues within the confines of a politically charged environment.
For readers interested in politics, this incident underscores the importance of understanding how individual actions on Capitol Hill can influence broader societal conversations. It serves as a reminder of the fine line between political expression and disruptive behavior, and how such moments can shape public perception of elected officials and the institution itself.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026